A FOUNDER member of a service that provides transport for the elderly and disabled has handed over his keys and retired after 28 years.

Rob Hartell has left his role as co-ordinator for Wyre Forest Dial-a-Ride, which he helped set up with friend Jerry Conway, in1986.

Mr Hartell, who carried the mantle after Mr Conway left the charity some years ago, has seen it grow from having just one bus to four for the door-to-door service.

He retired from the charity lastFriday, with a surprise leaving party put on by the volunteers.

Mr Hartell, 55, said: “I’m sad about leaving because I’ve enjoyed it all of these years.”

He added he would miss the camaraderie and passengers themost.

“I’ve known some of the passengers for many, many years,” he explained. “They’ve become friends as well as passengers.

“We help them on and off the buses and help them with their shopping. We got to that sort of personal touch so it’s going to be a bit strange for me to be sat at home.”

Mr Hartell, who will be replaced by Nigel Caldicott, said the highlight of his career was securing funding 20 years ago, which allowed the charity to buy a new bus and pay drivers for the first time.

He also launched a community bus service to Hume Street Medical Centre earlier this year and has helped to keep Dial-a-Ride going by organising fund-raisers.

“There’s been ups and downs,” said Mr Hartell.

“It’s been hard to keep it going because of finances.

We’ve survived on the goodwill of volunteers, who are brilliant. Hopefully, things will keep going.”

Despite retiring, Mr Hartell, a former fisherman, will still be apart of the management committee. He is hoping to to dust off his rods and spend his spare time fishing.