Local bus company trent barton has bid farewell to one of its longest serving employees who has spent the last 41 years helping people to get out and about in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

At the age of 20, Dorset-born Gerry Burke moved to Nottingham and worked in a brewery for a short time before joining Trent Motor Traction Co as a conductor.

Since then the 62-year-old who lives in Heanor, Derbyshire has seen many changes at the company, including privatisation, and steadily climbed through the ranks until he was appointed Head of Operations in April 2009.

During his time 'on the buses' he has worked as an Inspector, Section Inspector, Output Controller, District Traffic Superintendent and District Traffic Manager at Alfreton - receiving a number of commendations from customers and managers along the way.

At a special retirement event, Jeff Counsell, Managing Director of trent barton, said: "In this day in age it is unusual for someone to stay with a single employer for most of their working life."

He went on to pay tribute to Gerry's loyalty to the company and his commitment to customer service. "To say that he's well respected by everyone would be something of an understatement. He's also great motivator and team player, a real professional and we all wish him a long, healthy and very happy retirement."

In appreciation of his service, Gerry was presented with garden centre vouchers and cash raised by the company and his colleagues at the trent barton head office in Heanor.

Said Gerry: "I would like to say it has been a pleasure working for trent barton and being part of a team that provides a valuable service to the community. I will really miss everyone here but would like to thank them all for their generosity and kind words on my retirement."