LONG-serving staff from Keighley Bus Company have been rewarded.

They were among 80 employees from across the north to receive Celebration of Service awards from parent company Transdev Blazefield.

Accolades were handed out during a glittering celebratory dinner at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.

Guests included colleagues from each of Transdev’s seven depots across the region, and family and friends.

Service recognised ranged from 25 years to half a century, either on the buses or behind the scenes.

Recipients included Shabir Ahmed, Keighley Bus Company’s longest-serving employee.

He has clocked-up 42 years with the firm.

“It was an honour to be invited to a fantastic event which celebrated and recognised the work that both my colleagues and I have achieved over the years,” said Shabir, a former town mayor of Keighley.

“I personally have progressed from conductor to driver and then to my current role as duty manager and have enjoyed all the years with the company so far.

“I’d like to thank the organisers for a truly memorable event and for my award!”

Alex Hornby, chief executive officer of Transdev Blazefield, pays tribute to all the award winners.

“Nothing beats celebrating the achievements of our people who work so hard to deliver the amazing service we provide across West Yorkshire,” he said.

“The dedication of our longest-serving people to going the extra mile and more is certainly something worth celebrating.

“Their years of experience on and off the road are vital to understanding what our customers want from us, and as a growing business we benefit greatly from their knowledge and professionalism.

“Our Celebration of Service award winners can look back with pride at a combined total of 3,500 years of superb customer care.

“Their knowledge – built-up over decades – provides a guiding light to the newer members of our team, and ensures we have a strong and secure foundation on which to build our future success.”

Transdev is continuing to grow.

In the summer the company announced it was investing in £3.5 million worth of ‘home grown’ new vehicles.

It ordered 13 single-deck and eight double-deck vehicles for delivery this year.