COACH driver Stan Dunn is stepping down from behind the wheel after nearly 55 years on the road. The prospect of retirement at 65 passed Stan by because he was too busy enjoying his job but at 76 he has decided to take things a little easier. Widower Stan, who lives at West Quantoxhead, began his driving career with Williton-based Bryants in 1950 and has continued to work for the firm, which was bought out by WebberBus earlier this year. In addition to regularly transporting groups ranging from local Brownie packs to the blind organisation, Stan has been a fixture on the 'school run' around West Somerset. He drove the first bus full of children to Danesfield School in Williton on the morning it opened 50 years ago and has transported generations of children since that day, including teacher Sue Perkins. And she joined some of Stan's current passengers on the last day of term to wish him well. "She hasn't changed a bit," Stan told the Free Press this week. "I have driven some wonderful children to and from school over the years and some of them have gone to get really top jobs. "I've been doing it for so long that I started to get the original youngsters' grandchildren on my buses." When Stan began his long driving career he was also landlord of the Wyndham Arms in Williton and used to fit in the school run mornings and afternoons in between his responsibilities at the pub. But over the years he has taken passengers all over the country and has spent the last few weeks saying his goodbyes to his regulars. "I don't think anyone can believe that I'm actually finishing. The best thing about the job has been meeting so many different people and that is what I shall miss more than anything. "I've always enjoyed what I've done and that is what has made me carry on for so long. "I shall miss it - I'm bound to. But I will have some lovely memories." WebberBus managing director Tim Gardner said Stan had yet to officially retire. "We haven't accepted his resignation yet! "But we will be very sorry to see him go and wish him many happy years of retirement. "We would like to thank him for his long years of service and commitment to the job." Stan is pictured with Sue Perkins, Danesfield pupil Natalie Stout and other Danesfield youngsters. Photo: Steve Guscott.