The driver retiring from a life on the buses

Dave Skitt has been driving buses for almost 50 years, and is well known in Telford

A bus driver has had good luck messages from his passengers after deciding to retire with 38 years' service at the same company.

Dave Skitt, who worked for Arriva, has become a familiar face to people in Telford.

The 74-year-old, who is known for his long hair, first started driving buses almost 50 years ago.

But now he intends to spend his time travelling, and has just returned from a coach trip to Scotland, although having enjoyed it as a passenger, it was not quite what could be called a bus man's holiday.

"You see so much on a coach, which you don't necessarily see when you are at the pointed end driving it," he said.

His service behind the wheel, at the "pointed end", is something for which his passengers have been expressing gratitude.

Mr Skitt said he had always tried to treat people in the way he would like to be treated if he was a passenger, adding he would miss his regulars.

And they shall miss him.

One described him as well-mannered and kind-hearted, with another adding he was "a genuinely nice guy" with a great sense of humour.

"One in a million" was how another said they would remember him, with one more saying: "Thank you for always being you, and always helping me."

In the main, Mr Skitt said he had a trouble-free career dealing with the public.

"I would say 99% of the people on the bus are fine - you treat them with respect and say 'thank you', and it's the same back."

Dave Skitt's wife Hazel (left) also used to be a bus driver, and her father got him into the business

He was introduced to the world of bus driving by his father-in-law, a coach driver, and passed his test in 1976.

A highlight was being asked to drive buses in London during the 2012 Olympics, transporting people involved in the Games between venues.

"I meet a lot of people, and made a lot of good friends, who I'm still in contact with," said Mr Skitt of his career.

Mr Skitt said he had enjoyed his time on the buses, and there had hardly been a day when he woke up and was not looking forward to work.