Bus driver Paul Hopkins is retiring after serving 40 years with Arriva

by Anna White

A bus driver will take his final fare next week after more than 40 years behind the wheel.

Paul Hopkins has transported thousands of passengers across Maidstone but it's now time for him to take his feet off the pedals and rest them up on the sofa.

The 68-year-old has spent more than half of his employment driving the town's Park & Ride service and has become familiar face for his regular customers.

He said: "I've been doing the London Road, Sittingbourne Road and Willington Street route for about 24 years and over the years you get to talking to people. A lot of them have said they don't want me to leave.

"I'll miss seeing them all every day and having a chat. I won't miss being called names by the older kids, though. It's sad really, as the older some of the children get, they start play up."

Mr Hopkins, of Marion Crescent, began his career as a coach painter for Maidstone Cooperation Transport, which then developed into Arriva.

The dad-of-six embraced his role on the commuter service, especially at Christmas when every year he would dress up as Santa and hand out sweets during the festive period.

The long-serving employee has noticed a change in society over the last four decades. He said: "I've had a few passengers who have misbehaved on the bus.

One thing the loyal worker won't miss is the long 11-hour shifts. He intends to spend his free time on his Thunderbird motorbike and putting brush to canvas.

The keen painter will also no doubt be booked for babysitting his 14 grandchildren.

Arriva's regional publicity manager, Richard Lewis, said "I am pleased to offer our thanks to Paul for his long and loyal service to Arriva and its predecessors and to wish him all the best for a long and happy retirement."

Mr Hopkins, who will retire next Thursday is one of the four longest serving employees.