A YELLOW Bus driver who only joined on a temporary basis has notched up 40 years of service with the operator.

Grandfather Laurie Blewer, 69, joined the company at the age of 29 after being made redundant from his role as a Thames waterman.

In that time, Laurie has clocked up 865,000 miles – the equivalent of driving around the earth 35 times.

Despite passing retirement age, Laurie has no plans to ease off the accelerator and put on his handbrake.

Laurie said: “I have thought about retiring then I think about being at home with my wife and I think ‘no’.

“And now I have the challenge of getting past a million miles driving for Yellow Buses.

“I only joined as a temporary job – and I’m still looking! But I do enjoy it and I get on with all the passengers and my colleagues.”

He added: “Since I started, the traffic has trebled I would say, but the buses have improved dramatically.

“When I began in 1978 it was like driving something from the Stone Age, but now they are just like driving a car.”

Phil Pannell, service delivery director for Yellow Buses, said: “To complete 40 years’ service with the same company is quite remarkable.

“Laurie has worked six days a week for almost all of his career since he began as a ticket inspector before moving behind the steering wheel.

“He is extremely popular among the staff and the passengers and has an impeccable record with us.

“Laurie is a rare gem and we hope he remains driving with us for years to come.”