A chauffeur who hails from a village near Dolgellau has spoken about his career as a driver to numerous memorable and high-profile characters.

David Rowlands, who now lives in Doddington in Cambridgeshire, has been working as a chauffeur for over 20 years, and during this time has crossed paths with various politicians and members of the Royal Family.

Originally from the village of Llanfachreth, some three miles north-east of Dolgellau, David left at 16 to join the military and gained driving experience during his time in the British Army, before entering a job as a chauffeur 20 years ago.

“I didn’t set out to be a chauffeur, I set out to be a soldier,” David said.

“It’s something that I’ve enjoyed and without it, I wouldn’t have met my wife and have the lovely family that I’ve got.”

Mr Rowlands (pictured) was recently part of the transport team of Boris Johnson, whom he described as a “very intelligent man”, during Johnson’s campaign for the role of Prime Minister earlier this year.

David has also been a driver to Princess Alice, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana, and occasionally drove former Prime Minister Lord Home around whilst at Kensington Palace as a staff sergeant.

He emphasised that, in his role, maintaining professionalism is key: “You’ve always got that bit of discipline behind you so you know how to treat people and when you should and shouldn’t speak.

“In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever given them an answer that they’ve been angry about.”

David said he has no plans to step down from his job any time soon.

“A lot of people when they retire from the services, they take on a gentler role, but I don’t think I’ll ever retire. I quite like being busy,” he said.

“Money has never been a great incentive; as long as I’ve got enough to live on and my family are happy, that suits me.”