An engineer who has worked on the buses in Tunbridge Wells for 43 years has hung up his overalls for the final time.

Andy Ramsden, who today turns 65, spent his last day as an MOT fitter at Arriva's depot in the town yesterday and is now looking forward to a long retirement.

Mr Ramdsen, who lives near St Johns Road, started his career with National Bus when he became an engineering fitter in August 1978.

He remained with the garage when it was taken over by British Bus in 1995 before it later became Arriva.

Aside from taking a seven-month break in 2000, Mr Ramsden has been ever present for more than four decades.

Looking back on his career, Mr Ramsden said: “This has been an excellent job for me and I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the bus industry for the past 43 years.

"I have seen many changes in this time and worked for a variety of different companies and the latter years with Arriva.

"He has a sound knowledge of all buses and tends to be the go-to person with any engineering or parts problems."

"The job has been good and varied and I have made a lot of friends along the way. I'm glad to have been part of the engineering team at Arriva, Tunbridge Wells, who I will sadly miss but I need to hang up my overalls and catch up with all my hobbies and interests."

To celebrate Mr Ramsden's long service, loyalty and retirement, Arriva marked the occasion by naming a bus after him.

It is a bus he played a pivotal part in restoring back into operation.

Andy Weber, engineering manager at Arriva, said: “I’ve worked with Andy as his line manager for the best part of 24 years.

"He has a sound knowledge of all buses and tends to be the go-to person with any engineering or parts problems.

"For me it’s nice to give someone a job and know what you will be given back will be first class.

"His reputation with the DVSA inspectors and examiners is also first class - when they see Andy turn up, they know that the vehicle will be right.

"It’s a sad day to see Andy go but I know he has many projects that he would like to get on with. I wish him all the best for the future,”

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