A LIBRARY bus driver has retired after 35 years of service in Yate.

Sylvia Maggs finished her last shift on Friday, October 31 and has worked in various roles through the South Gloucestershire library services since 1980.

The library mobile driver and library assistant said: “I have loved the years working on the mobile bus. I’ve loved it because it’s been an outdoors job more than an indoors job in a sense with the travelling around.

“I’ve really enjoyed the rural routes, I was always meeting characters and having a good laugh. As we have a small clientele, many who have been coming for years, most have become friends more than customers to me.”

Librarian Neil Weston said: “On her last day the mobile library was decorated to celebrate and say goodbye and the cultural services manager, Martin Burton, thanked her for her service with us. The staff group also had a social gathering for her.

“Sylvia provided a personal service, and was very hands on and a keen worker on the occasions I worked with her. She will be well missed by all of us.”

Mrs Maggs will continue to use the library regularly, she said: “There were lots of hugs on the last day and people thanking me, it was very touching. The Yate crew are a good crowd and I will definitely keep in touch.”