WHEN Arthur Pearson turned the ignition key on his first day as a bus driver, rationing was still in force and the NHS had not been launched.

More than 63 years later, the world may have changed but Mr Pearson remains a firm fixture. He even met his future wife on the buses.

Now the efforts of he and fellow Oxford Bus Company driver Tony Horley are being recognised at the 2011 UK Bus Awards.

Great-grandfather Mr Pearson, nominated as an Unsung Hero, said: “I started work in Oxford on February 7, 1948. It’s changed a bit since then.”

The 87-year-old from East Oxford started as a driver and, despite already retiring once, now works in the company’s customer services department.

He remembers meeting his future wife Jean in his early days of being a bus driver.

He said: “I started courting her when I was on the number eight and started a bit of a romance.

“She worked in the cashiers office but it was not long until she became my conductress.”

Jean passed away 14 years ago after 46 years of marriage.

Mr Pearson has a son, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

O being on the buses he said: “I have enjoyed every minute of it. When I used to be a driver, I was usually whistling and singing and passengers would say to me ‘you’re a happy driver’.

“I would always say ‘that’s because I am very fortunate. I have got a job I love’.”

Colleague Tony Horley is a regular face on the 500 Park and Ride route and is in the running for the Top National Bus Driver award.

Commended for going the ‘extra mile’, the Wallingford 63-year-old started bus driving after the death of his wife, Paddy.

He said: “I’ve been driving just over nine years now. My wife died and I needed a change.

“I was a farmer but I wanted to drive.”

He said: “I like buses because they load and unload themselves and there’s always somewhere to park.”

Mr Horley said he liked enjoying a joke with passengers, including telling unsuspecting tourists the top deck was more expensive but “he would let them off this time”.

He said: “It’s the people element of the job I like most. I have fun with people.

“And I have not had a day off since I started.

“At the end of the day, the passengers pay our wages and if they enjoy the ride, they will come back.”

Operations director Louisa Weeks said: “Tony Horley is a particular favourite with passengers and always wants to go that ‘extra mile’ to help passengers.

“Arthur Pearson is a remarkable man, now aged 87 and in his 63rd year with OBC, he still relishes every day at work.

“He is much loved by everyone, colleagues and customers alike, and I am delighted his service has been acknowledged by the UK Bus Awards.”

The Oxford Bus Company, along with Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, was shortlisted for the Environment Award.

Stagecoach was also nominated in the top Express Operation category for the Oxford Tube service.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the London Hilton hotel on November 29.