(Image: Glen Minikin/Go North East)
Two engineers have been recognised for a combined 104 years of service in the North East transport industry.
Billy Cummings and John Jackson, both 52-year veterans of Go North East, were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the company’s annual Go.B.E. Awards.
Mr Cummings, a trimmer based at the Saltmeadows engineering site in Gateshead, began his career at 16 and now refurbishes bus interiors and upholsters seats for drivers and passengers.
He said: "I always wanted a practical, hands-on role but I never thought I’d spend my career making bus seats for thousands of drivers and passengers.
"I still love my job after all these years, especially the camaraderie and laughter in the workshop."
Mr Jackson is an electrician at the Riverside depot who started in the industry with help from his brother, a bus driver.
He said: "At the time, I was just happy to have a job because unemployment was so high."
Like Mr Cummings, he values the friendships formed over the years and said he has "worked with a smashing bunch of lads."
Ben Gilligan, managing director at Go North East, said: "We’re so fortunate to have long-serving colleagues like Billy and John who have dedicated their entire career to the bus industry.
"Go North East wouldn’t be the same without their years of experience and expertise.
"It’s a privilege to present Billy and John with a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise their hard work and dedication over the decades."