LONG-SERVING volunteer driver Eric Smallridge has received his special commendation award.

Eric, who has been involved with Dawlish Community Transport for almost 30 years since its early days, was recognised for his service with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Community Transport awards.

He was presented with his certificate by office manager Sally Preston (right) and her colleague Sally Bartley.

Sally Preston, who described him as irreplaceable, said: ‘Eric has always said to me he volunteered because he wanted to, not to get any awards or medals.

‘Over the years he has met some lovely people and has very fond memories.’

Eric began volunteering in 1993 as a driver, having taken a work break and has been on board ever since.

The citation read: ‘So fully committed, involved and driving for us sometimes seven days per week, with ‘no’ rarely being a word in his vocabulary.