Tributes have been paid to a bus driver who has retired, after working at an Accrington company for 20 years.

Mick Crane has retired from Pilkington Bus, a family-run firm that has been serving the area for more than 50 years.

The services run by Pilkington Bus are described as a real “life line” in the community, with Mick seeing regular faces every day on his Fern Gore to Merlin Drive route.

Pilkington is a family firm, run by husband and wife Alan and Vicky Pilkington, and their brother John Pilkington.

The company treats its staff as their extended family and employees were sad to see Mick leave.

Vicky said: “Our Mick's retiring today after 20 years’ service at Pilkington Bus.

“We’re having a presentation for him at the depot but we've got 30 other buses still out there, that's why the other local drivers can't be here.

“We’re really sad to see Mick go and I'm sure the passengers of Merlin Drive and Fern Gore will be too.

"We’re a big family team at Pilkington's, and Mick has been a massive part of it for the past 20 years.”

Alan Pilkington said: “Thanks Mick, for all your service. We're going to go have a drink now and give you some gifts. From all of us - thank you!”

Pilkington Bus operates throughout Hyndburn and beyond with school routes as well and provides a vital service for keeping people in the community connected.

With more than 30 buses in the fleet, Pilkington is one of Lancashire’s largest family-run independent bus services.