FOR more than 60 years Arthur Pearson has worked hard to serve thousands of bus passengers across Oxford.

Yesterday, the longest-serving member of staff at Oxford Bus Company was recognised for his efforts at a national bus awards ceremony.

Great-grandfather Mr Pearson, 87, who lives in East Oxford, was one of three workers from across the UK to receive an Unsung Hero award at the 2011 UK Bus Awards in London.

Mr Pearson started out as a driver and, despite retiring once, still works part-time in customer services.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted with this award. I have enjoyed every minute of my 63 years with the Oxford Bus Company.”

Bus company spokesman Phil Ashworth said: “We are delighted that a dedicated bus employee like Arthur has been rewarded for his years of service to the public.”

Mr Pearson’s colleague Tony Horler, 63, from Wallingford, a regular on the 500 park-and-ride route, was nominated in the Top National Bus Driver award, but did not win.

The company won a special commendation in the environment category for its outstanding environmental work over 17 years.