NOT many people get to do the job they dreamed of as a child, but one Stagecoach employee is celebrating 30 years in the career he always aspired to.

Kevin George is one of 36 Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire employees being honoured in a special ceremony on Friday, March 23 at Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa, in Windermere.

The event acknowledged the long service of 29 current and seven retired employees – who between them boast 985 years of combined service with the company.

Kevin, 50, is a bus driver for Stagecoach and has worked in Barrow, Lancaster and Kendal depots, before settling where he is in Carlisle.

“I originally began my working life in the shipyard, serving an apprenticeship for three years,” he recalled. “I was told – along with a number of others – that my apprenticeship was coming to an end and there was no job for me.

“I had friends who said to me that I love driving and like dealing with people, so why not do the bus driver course and change career.”

Kevin admits that it was the idea of driving such a big vehicle and fond memories of bus trips into town as a young boy which fuelled his decision.

He said: “It was always a childhood dream to be a bus driver, and I’ve ended up doing exactly what I always wanted to do.

“I particularly loved my five years at Kendal; I loved driving around the central Lakes. I was being paid to sit in traffic jams, looking at mountains and stunning scenery.”

And, after three decades, Kevin admits he still enjoys the job as much today as he did all those years ago.

“You meet so many people and every day is different,” he said, “and you’re helping people.

“It’s become more challenging – people’s attitudes since covid have changed – but I still love it and I’m looking forward to at least another five years, when I can get my next long service award.”

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Tom Waterhouse, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire said: “Congratulations to Kevin and to everyone who received their long service awards this year.

"It’s amazing to see just how much experience we have at Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire.

"I’d like to extend my personal thanks to all 36 amazing members of staff for all their hard work and dedication to both the company and to our customers over the years.”