Oldest bus driver is made MBE (From Bournemouth Echo)

Oldest bus driver is made MBE

7:00pm Wednesday 31st December 2008 in News

A BUS driver who could be the longest-serving bus worker in the country has spoken of his delight at being made an MBE.

Jim Newton, 79, received the appointment in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list for his services to public transport in Dorset.

“I never would have thought I’d be honoured this way and I am delighted to accept the award. I still very much enjoy the job and it is nice to have been recognised as a driver,” said Jim.

The great-grandfather has put in over half a century behind the wheel, starting his career at Wilts and Dorset’s Blandford depot in 1951 after national service.

The Bryanston man trained as a driver in 1954, piloting Wilts & Dorset buses between Salisbury, Shaftesbury, Poole and Bournemouth until “retiring” at the age of 65 in 1994.

But after only one week’s holiday, Jim transferred to Damory Coaches, where his continued success with the company medical sees him drive school buses on a part-time basis.

Jim’s boss, Alex Carter, managing director of the southern branch of the Go Ahead Group, welcomed the Royal recognition of his dedicated driver.

“Jim deserves the MBE not just because of the number of years he has served the community but for the professionalism and wonderful attitude he shows to his passengers and colleagues alike,” said Mr Carter.

“Last year we challenged the bus industry to see if anyone could beat his length of service and we believe he holds the record as the longest serving UK bus worker.”