Colin hangs up his keys after clocking up 700,000 miles

A Stagecoach employee who has spent 42 years ‘on the buses’ has hung up his keys for the last time.

As an examiner Colin Kneeshaw was the man whose approval many drivers had to win before passing their test. But despite his intimidating role, he was a popular member of the team who, during his time, made a piece of company history.

Colin, 66, joined the former Devon General as a conductor after leaving the army. He only intended working for six months “until something better came along” but stayed for 12 and was then asked to train as a driver.

Colin enjoyed life behind the wheel so much that he was still picking up passengers 30 years later. However, his career took another turn when he spotted a notice advertising for reserve instructors.

Colin applied, landed the job and in quick succession became an instructor, and then an examiner. It was a role he loved, and stuck with, until retiring recently.

Colin estimates that during his time with Stagecoach he has driven 700,000 miles or 28 times around earth and put 2,300 drivers through their tests.

And he says he would recommend the job to anyone looking for a rewarding career.

Colin, who lives in Whipton, Exeter, made history when, as part of his duties, he was chauffeuring senior directors around on business.

On one occasion, in the glamorous surroundings of Harry Ramsden’s at Heathrow, he was asked to countersign a document which was partially covered up.

Colin dutifully obliged only to be told he had just witnessed the sale of Devon General to Stagecoach!

He also found love through his work when his current wife Diane, 57, asked him out on a date after undergoing a test.

Colin plans to enjoy his retirement by spending time on his recently purchased boat and riding his motorbike.

Stagecoach managing director, Mike Watson said: “Colin has been a credit to Stagecoach spanning four decades and many people owe their careers to him.

“He will be greatly missed by the team here but we wish him a very happy, and well earned, retirement.”