We all fall behind with the cleaning sometimes but imagine having the messiest car in the country.
That’s the reality for one Essex woman who won the rather grim title of the 'UK's filthiest car' in a recent competition.
While most of us would be rather embarrassed to have such a messy motor, it seems Lindy Winship isn't afraid about coming clean - saying all the rubbish ‘comes in handy at some point’.
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The 60-year-old currently lives in Manning Tree, Essex, on a farm with her husband.
Understandably, her Saab Estate often doesn’t get a look in with all the other tasks in hand, meaning snacks, drinks and toys are strewn all over the backseats.
Other debris includes household bits, clothes and even a stray broom in some cases, making it a struggle for passengers to actually get in the vehicle.
"She is affectively known as the graveyard as she’s used as a general run around and a mobile tip," joked Lindy.
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"Whatever needs clearing up or has been carried somewhere to clean up or repair around the farm, it all gets thrown in her,” added the farm owner. “My husband even has all the bad snacks and drinks in there too."
With the Saab looking like it’s seen better days, the 60-year-old said that it’s a ‘mammoth task’ to clean the car and she requires at least a day’s notice.
Despite this, Lindy had no hesitation in entering ATS Euromaster’s competition after her husband joked about her having the ‘untidiest car in Britain’.
Upon taking the top spot in the tyre and service providers comp, she walked away with £200 worth of Amazon vouchers - which should go a long way to help cleaning up the mucky motor.
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However, it is unlikely that it will stay spotless for long after hearing how the Saab has become the family dumping ground.
"When my husband loses tools, I always say it’s probably in the graveyard, so a frantic search begins for a much-needed tool, which creates more mess!” Lindy admitted. “Apparently, everything in her comes in handy at some point.”
There were other strong contenders as well, such as Mel, whose Ford Fesita even contained an unopened Amazon parcel, and Rachel's less than kid-friendly Hyundai i30.
While the competition was tongue-in-cheek, Paul Maynard from ATS Euromaster warned how dangerous dirty cars could be, saying: "As well as potentially obscuring a driver's view out of windows or mirrors, if the driver needs to brake sharply the loose items could move forward and possibly interfere with the vehicle pedals and steering."
He added that a messy interior can be classed as dangerous driving, resulting in a £100 fine and a potential MOT failure.
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Well, at least we don’t feel so bad now.
Katherine Sidnell