Teenager Chris Berry turned to a vintage tractor as a cheap transport solution after he was quoted up to £17,800 a year to insure his £400 P-reg VW Polo.

After he was unable to find an affordable premium, the 18-year-old turned to his family’s 1953 Fordson Major tractor, which he was able to insure for just £57.

The four-litre beast can reach a top speed of 40mph and is exempt from MoTs. ‘If I had the choice, I’d would have my car – I can go further in it and it would be much better in the rain,’ said Chris, from Astley Bridge, Bolton.

‘If you’re image conscious, I don’t think you could drive it. But we’ve had it for about 15 years, and I actually love the fact I drive a tractor – not many people can say they drive a Fordson Major.’

The average cost of insuring a new young male driver is £8,260. Bolton MP David Crausby warned that the prohibitive quotes given by insurance companies could encourage young motorists to take the risk of not getting cover at all.