Now celebrating 40 years of service, Andy’s milestone also highlights a remarkable family connection to the business, with his older brother David having joined the company in 1968 and the pair contributing more than 60 years of combined service.

Mr Seeney, from Eynsham, joined Oxford Bus Company as a teenage apprentice body builder straight from school in September 1985. He is now the company’s body shop and asset improvement manager.

He said: “It was good to follow in the footsteps of David and come and work with him. It meant I knew it was a good company to work for.

“I got to work with David for four years, working with him and learning a lot from him.

“That could be challenging, with him being family, but I enjoyed it.”

During his time with the company, Mr Seeney has witnessed major changes across the industry and within the workplace.

He said: “The vehicles are different to when I started and how they’re put together has changed.

“It’s always good to learn new techniques, but it’s just as important to know the older ways of doing things.”

He also reflected on the growth of the company and the evolving nature of his role.

He said: “There’s a lot more staff these days and it’s a much bigger business. I enjoy the changes as they bring new challenges.

“My day tends to start off in the garage office, seeing if there are any new vehicles off-road, and then working a plan of action from there.

“Facilities is a big part of my job, along with refurbishments and improvements. Each day is a new day in this job, and I like that.

“I like to have a new challenge to come into rather than be doing similar things each day.”

In recognition of his long service, Mr Seeney was honoured at the company’s recent Really Amazing Awards.

He said: “It’s always been a good team effort and never been about just me or someone else.

“People always get together to help each other, and it’s a real team effort every day.”

Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, praised Mr Seeney’s loyalty and dedication.

He said: “Andy has given an exceptional number of years’ service to the company and should be immensely proud of what he has achieved.

“A real team player, Andy has a brilliant can-do approach, always getting stuck in and delivering.”

The Mulberry Bush, based in Witney, is among the top 10 finalists in the Oxford Bus Company’s Brand the Bus competition, which offers charities the chance to have their cause featured on a bus.

The winner will receive a prize package worth £100,000.

Russel McIvr, senior fundraising manager at The Mulberry Bush, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be in the top ten.

“To whichever organisation is chosen as the winner, the impact of this prize will be enormous.

“The £100,000 prize package represents an incredible opportunity for thousands, if not millions, of people to see and hear about the vital work charities across Oxfordshire are doing in their communities.”

The Mulberry Bush was one of 71 organisations to enter the competition.

Russell McIver (Image: The Mulberry Bush)

Oxford Bus Company said nearly 9,000 public votes were cast to determine the top 10.

The shortlist includes Age UK Oxfordshire, Alzheimer’s Society, Cure DHDDS, FarmAbility, Opportunity International, Oxford City Farm, Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, Sobell House Hospice, and SUDEP.

The final decision will now be made by a panel of judges.

The winning charity will have its branding displayed on a double-decker bus.

Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner and former leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council, has taken up the role with the Friends of the Ridgeway.

The group works to protect and promote the Ridgeway National Trail, an ancient route stretching 87 miles from Wiltshire through to Buckinghamshire.

Mike Lewington, chairman of the Friends of the Ridgeway, welcomed the appointment.

He said: “Matthew shares our passion and commitment to this very special Ridgeway National Trail.

“I warmly welcome him to the role of president, and his support for the Friends of the Ridgeway’s objectives to promote enjoyment and use of the Ridgeway by walkers, runners, cyclists and equestrians.”

Mr Barber, who lives in West Hanney near Wantage, said he enjoys walking on the Ridgeway with his Labrador, Oscar.

He said: “The Ridgeway is not just another place to walk, wonderful though that is.

“The 87 miles of the Ridgeway is part of our living heritage.

“For over 5,000 years people have used this trail for commerce, for warfare and as an intrinsic part of the community.

“Today, it remains a working part of the countryside, essential for those who farm the land around it.

“I love discovering the history of the trail, and there is always more to learn.

“It is a privilege to become President of the Friends of the Ridgeway and I look forward to working with this amazing team of volunteers to help champion the Ridgeway as one of England’s most important national trails.

“The Friends of the Ridgeway seeks to preserve this vital part of our heritage for recreation, education and to support those who are guardians of this wonderful landscape.”

The Friends of the Ridgeway was founded in 1983 and originally focused on campaigning to remove recreational off-road vehicles from the trail.

This remains a key part of its work today.

Mr Lewington said: “We will continue our campaign to restrict recreational use by unauthorised vehicles, which damages the trail’s surface and has negative impacts on the enjoyment of other Ridgeway users.”

Mr Barber succeeds Lord Bradshaw, who served as president for 20 years until his resignation in 2022.

In 2015, the Friends of the Ridgeway established the Ridgeway National Trail Partnership, which now manages the Ridgeway National Trail.

The partnership includes the national landscapes of the North Wessex Downs and the Chilterns, and organisations representing users of the Ridgeway.