A GROUP of bus company staff have clocked up more than 450 years of combined service helping passengers get around the city.

Oxford Bus Company wined and dined 15 members of its workforce to reward them for a total of 455 years in the job.

The man longest behind the wheel was father-of-four Mohammad Faradoon, with 45 years’ service.

Grandfather-of-one Mr Faradoon said: “I joined the City of Oxford Motor Services in 1968, on January 8.

“I’d arrived in Oxford from Pakistan three years before to join my father, who was a major in the army. The first job I had was as a conductor, but in February 1970 I became a driver.”

The 65-year-old added: “At first I drove on the number two route, which in those days involved journeys to Aylesbury as well as Kidlington.

“Since 1984 I’ve been working on the park-and-ride routes. I enjoy every minute of the job.

“I know that I’m almost a tourist guide and I always like to help visitors and make sure they get to the right place. I really enjoy driving too and I’m proud of the fact that I’ve never had a blameworthy accident in all my years at the bus company.

“I’ve no plans to leave at the moment and I’ll decide when it’s the right time to retire.”

Those honoured for 25 years were Edgar Tiburcio, Walter Obita, Andrew Carter, Paul Marsden, Paul Gwilliam, Paul Tomlin and David Colquhoun.

Recently retired service controller Geoff Ayres gained his award for 40 years in the job.

Service support assistant of 25 years Wayne Singleton was also acknowledged, along with bodybuilder Nigel Brown who clocked up 40 years. Kerbsider of 35 years Ken Clarke was honoured, as was planning manager of 35 years Robert Jones. Also honoured for their longstanding dedication to the job were Alan Gelson with 30 years’ service, and Gary Butler, with 20.

The group were all rewarded with a celebratory lunch at the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel in Sandford-on-Thames.

Chief executive of the Go-Ahead Group – which runs Oxford Bus Company – David Brown also attended the meal to thank the workforce for their long-term commitment.

Managing director of Oxford Bus Company Phil Southall said: “They have shown great loyalty to the firm but we also gain a great deal as an organisation from their years of experience.

“Every day they make a big difference to our company and more importantly our passengers too.”