The UK’s “longest-serving bus driver” has said he has no plans to retire.

Kenny Beckers, 76, from Sandfields in Port Talbot has spent nearly six decades as a driver.

The Swansea-born grandfather started out as a bus conductor at the age of 18, before he became a driver when he was legally allowed to after turning 21 in November 1969.

Mr Beckers now works for First Bus and is the company’s longest-serving member of staff.

The company estimates he has transported around seven million customers and clocked up approximately 800,000 miles throughout his career.

Now in semi-retirement, Mr Beckers and his wife have four children and eight grandchildren.

But he is still behind the wheel two days a week.

Neil Foden: Former headteacher who ‘abused trust’ jailed for ‘shocking’ sex offences against four girls

Strikes at Tata’s Port Talbot steelworks called off after change in closure date

Dog and owner rescued by lifeboat after getting stranded on rocks

When he started out in the 1960s, Mr Beckers worked six days a week and was paid the equivalent of £38 per month.

‘Unbelievable’

Some of his fondest memories are of picking up the Swansea football team on the way to their training ground.

During that time, he said the bus industry was reminiscent of ITV sitcom On The Buses.

“I also remember we had double-deckers back [in the 1980s], but passengers were only allowed to smoke on the top deck,” he said.

“Upstairs was like a mist. All the factory girls and everybody else was up there smoking, it was unbelievable.”

His lengthy career in the industry is down to his supportive wife, Linda, according to Mr Beckers.

He said she played an “important role” as she was “often left to look after our four children alone”.

Read more from Sky News:
Final police search for Jay Slater dismissed as ‘massive PR thing’
Headteacher jailed for ‘shocking’ sex offences on girls

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

“Once my body feels like enough is enough then I’ll give up, but I don’t like putting a time on things,” he added.

“I’ve seen people put times on stuff, and then everything goes haywire for a time. I don’t want to put a date on it.

“In all my years working I’ve never really thought about giving up the job, and I can honestly say I’ve never had that moment of ‘I’ve had enough, I’m off’. So long as I feel good and my health’s good, then I’ll keep going.”

Related posts:

More than 40% of over-80s have broken lockdown rules since getting vaccinated – survey Former Ipswich and England striker Paul Mariner dies aged 68 ‘This is a disgrace’: Motorists’ fury as Insulate Britain block M25 during rush hour US firm among suitors for stricken Championship club Derby County Supermarket price inflation at ’14-month high’ – adding to cost of living pressure Kurt Zouma will be available for West Ham’s next match despite cat kick video Suspected foot and mouth case investigated on Norfolk farm Teen snorted ketamine and threw lit fireworks at police outside hotel housing asylum seekers Revealed: The three food groups responsible for type 2 diabetes rise ‘Fast-paced search’ for woman who admitted manslaughter after she escapes secure hospital Snow on the way with yellow warning for large parts of England and Wales Afghan musicians who fled Taliban to tour UK after Home Office U-turn on visa refusal