HAMPSHIRE businessman Dave Pitter is celebrating a 40-year link with the firm that supplies that Saints team coach.

Dave is managing director of Southampton based Coliseum Coaches, the only company he has worked for since leaving school in 1963.

Coliseum has been driving the Saints team to away games for the past 16 years.

The highlight of Dave's business career came in May, when he watched Saints take part in the FA Cup final in Cardiff.

He said: "I was proud to be there as a Saints supporter and immensely privileged to have supplied the team bus."

Coliseum was founded by Mr Pitter's father Ken, now 84 but still a company director.

Dave said: "I left school on the Friday and joined the firm on the Saturday. I always felt I was destined to work for my father.

"I still live for the job and have never been tempted to leave. People are always asking me when I'm going to retire, but after each holiday I can't wait to get back, which tells me I'm not ready for retirement."

Dave, 55, was guest of honour at a surprise party to mark his long spell with the company.