Thrifty Car & Van Rental used the social website, Facebook, to assist in finding a ‘lost’ customer. After opening a local account, Mr X’s November payment failed.

When no trace of him could be found, a quick thinking employee searched his name on Facebook.

Joe Pinnock, insurance manager for Thrifty, said: “I sent him a short message and the car was returned the following day.

"This is one of the speediest and easiest returns of a vehicle I have ever experienced.”