Canterbury's oldest cabbie Barrie George had a tactic to steer clear of disagreements in his taxi - by never talking about politics, sport or religion.

Now, as the 85-year-old grandad finally hangs up his taxi keys, he says it was a policy that served him well.

Not that he was short of conversation - indeed, he was renowned for being one of the friendliest drivers in the city.

But after 26 years with Longleys in Canterbury, he has decided the time is right to move into the slow lane.

He thought that back in 1993 when he 'retired' as an engineer with BT - but quickly decided he needed to do something else and was hired as a cabbie the very next day.

"I just wasn't ready to just sit about doing nothing and, as I love talking to people, being a taxi driver has been great," he said.

During the thousands of miles he has driven around Canterbury and beyond, he has witnessed all sorts in the back of his cab, from over-amorous couples to fights and even pregnant women in labour needing to be rushed to hospital.

'He epitomises what we expect from a driver because he is so kind, reliable and helpful' - Steve George

He said: "There have been a few dramas along the way but mostly it's been nice just to chat to people, which I enjoy.

"But I had a policy of avoiding talking about politics, sport or religion because that can easily end up getting a bit heated. It's best to just stick to family type stuff, " he said.

Many of his customers were regulars who would specifically ask for him.

At just 5ft 4ins tall, Barrie used a cushion to help see over the steering wheel.

"People would say 'that must be Barrie because we can't see who's driving'", he said.

But every year, he would pass his medical to ensure he was fit to keep driving his cab.

"I'm not one of those drivers who rush around and I would just take it slow and steady," he said.

Over the years he has also ferried hundreds of children to school - and some of the same children to the church on their wedding days 20 years later.

"That has been a great honour and thrill," he said.

He will be sadly missed at Longleys base in Broad Oak Road, Canterbury, where owner Steve George (no relation) says he became 'part of the fixtures and fittings' of the office.

"He is such a fun and chatty character to have around and epitomises what we expect from a driver because he is so kind, reliable and helpful.

Barrie has been married to Pam since 1964 and they have two daughters, a son and 10 grandchildren.

He is also a former district cubs/scouts leader.

Now he plans to spend more time on his favourite hobby - visiting boot fairs.

"Pam has to put up with me bringing home all sorts but I can never resist a bargain," he said