KATE Silverton is one of the BBC’s top newsreaders. An anchor for the One, Six and Ten O’Clock news, the 43-year-old was born in Waltham Abbey, Essex and graduated from Durham University. Kate presented the news over the Christmas and new year period. You can follow her on Twitter ?@katesilverton1 or visit her website at www.katesilverton.com.

What was your first car? It was a Citroen Dyane and I bought it from my sister for £150. She had painted it red with black dots, like a ladybird. I covered it with stickers from my travels abroad so you could say it was rather eye-catching on the road! The ignition key broke off in the ignition at one stage so my dad fixed it so I could start it using a push button. I didn’t need to worry about it getting stolen, I am not sure anyone else would have been seen in it. But I loved the car and have fond memories of passing my test and driving it throughout the summer.

How many times did it take to pass your test? I passed first time. I am the daughter of a former London cabbie so there was no way he would have his daughter fail her test! He taught me to drive in London on the busiest roads and in the tightest of spots.

I thank goodness for his guidance as it not only taught me to be a better driver with great road awareness, but as I cycle too it has been invaluable in keeping me safe. And the best part is that I can now reverse park anywhere, in any spot, in any vehicle. I love my dad!

What is your dream car? I have always loved the look of the Aston Martin DB9, but in reality I’d love a battered old Land Rover that I could take anywhere – preferably on an expedition across the African continent with my family – something I have always wanted to do.

How would you describe your driving style? Confident and sometimes a little fast, although I was curbed of the need for speed by a police officer years ago who taught me a valuable lesson when he pulled me over. Tell me one driving anecdote from your past? I have competed as a Star In A Reasonably Priced Car on Top Gear and utterly loved the experience. My dad was beyond proud when Jeremy Clarkson said I was one of the most talented drivers they had ever had on the show and invited me to compete against Matt Dawson and Ronan Keating in an off-road challenge for one of the Top Gear specials’ – another experience to remember and another reason to thank my dad for those driving lessons! I’ve also reverse parked an Army tank in the desert in Iraq.

What do you drive now? A Range Rover Evoque – it’s nippy enough to drive in the city, looks beautiful and feels luxurious as well as being a good solid drive.