Silver dream for van man

White van man, scourge of the city streets, is going up in the world, according to new research.

He also drinks more wine and less beer and enjoys reading broadsheet newspapers.

The Social Issues Research Centre (SIRC) found that a posher van - most commonly a silver metallic-finish vehicle with a range of extras - has turned the species into a more considerate driver.

The DVLA says silver vans are selling at three times 1998 figures.