Staff and pupils at a school in Horwich have said an emotional goodbye to a ‘one-of-a-kind bus driver’ as he prepares to move on to a new chapter.

During Steven Shakeshaft’s time at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Secondary School, he made quite the impression on the children.

He was so dedicated to his job that he knew every student by name, and always welcomed them with a smile on the 930 Vision bus.

Headteacher at the school Tony McCabe said: “Steven has been a constant in the lives of the young people who travelled on the 930 bus throughout their time at our school. 

“Steven would know our students by name and always give a cheerful smile, welcoming them on to the bus. 

“Given rain or shine Steven would always be there.”

Mr McCabe says that Steven was ‘more than a bus driver’ and would regularly check in with staff at the school if ever he was concerned, often writing to the headteacher to say “how wonderful” the children were.

Mr McCabe added: “He connected with young people, and in a world where some young people go home to an empty house, he was someone to ask the children how their day had been and give wise words of encouragement to those who needed it.”

The Bolton News:

Karen Lightbown who has two children at the school, and one who previously went to the school, says that he was “adored” by the children, and he was not your “typical” bus driver.

She said: “The children all absolutely adored him as he wasn’t just your typical bus driver.

“He was so kind and even treated them to chocolates and fairy lights on his bus at Christmas.

“My three children have all travelled with him over the years and spoke regularly about how great he is.

“He really made an impact on them and regularly made their day.

“All the school children were very upset that he was leaving and took him gifts to show how much he has meant to them.

“I believe that he deserves recognition for being one of life’s everyday unsung heroes.”

Mr McCabe added: “As the students left our school there would often be an exchange of gifts between children and the driver. 

“This was a true testimony of the fact that both Steven and the children had appreciated the journeys they had shared together. 

“Not only did Steven share the journey to and from school with our young people, but more importantly they shared in each other’s life journeys.”

As the Bee Network takes over the school’s transport, Steven drove one final time on the school route on Friday( September 22).

Staff applauded him for his service to the school, and he will now be serving the children at Canon Slade School as he starts a different contract this week.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.