CHILDREN and parents have said an emotional farewell to their much-loved school bus driver.

Richard 'Dick' Baker, 63, has taken children from Escrick to Fulford School for around 30 years, but will do so no more after his P. Hopwood Coaches business lost its contract to a rival.

The family has been dropping children off at the York school for decades as Mr Baker's father-in-law, Philip Hopwood, ferried the youngsters to school before him.

Grateful parents were eager to let him know how much he meant to them and organised a collection to say goodbye.

Helen Jackson, a parent from Escrick, said: "Dick is a very special person who has gone above and beyond to make the bus a pleasure to ride on.

"He organises raffles at Easter and Christmas, makes sure the kids are safe and welcomed, and is generally a great person.

"We organised a collection and presented him with a painting and some B&Q vouchers. There was also a card with lots of quotes from kids and families who have used the bus.

"Some of those youngsters have long since left Fulford and some sent comments from New Zealand."

Mr Baker's wife Mandy said her husband is considering job offers from other bus companies before making his next move.