A community travel company has closed its office as it announces plans to downsize in 2024.
Ferndown Community Tours (FCT) has closed its office on Pennys Walk, Ferndown, as it announces it will be decreasing the number of trips it runs in 2024.
John Dickson, founder of FCT, has decided to decrease the operation after his recent 80th birthday.
He said: "I gave the decision a careful thought and, while we're keeping it going, I'm turning 80 and I'm feeling tired.
"It's my hobby which has become a good business which has been stressful. It was this stress factor that compelled me to shut the operation down in size of operation."
FCT was founded in April 2019 and has since run around 40 trips a year.
Aimed at an elderly audience, Johnn believes the business has become essential for many who can't get out without help.
He said: "Our slogan is tour with care and a lot of our passengers have mobility issues, health conditions and so on. My wife is excellent at looking after them as a retired carer while I act as tour guide.
"We have a very friendly atmosphere on the coach and it's a very personal experience. We look after people and have a caring attitude towards them."
With several trips run last year, John said that the first in 2024 would be in April but has yet to be announced.
Reflecting on past trips, he said the company has toured internationally and took 42 people to South Africa five years ago.
A South African himself, John said he loves the trips as they allow him to explore more of the UK.
He said: "I've been here 12 years and I can't think of a single place that I can say I've been to and think it's terrible. It's just beautiful and there's so much to see and do."
Although he acknowledges the decision to downsize may upset some people, John was clear that FCT isn't abandoning ship just yet.
He said: "We've had fun together and it's going to continue in 2024 but on a reduced scale. There's no change and we'll continue supporting the community."
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