A HUGELY-POPULAR taxi driver from Ellesmere says he is proud of his work in the town as he books a journey into retirement.

Les Wolfenden, 74, has been driving around the town and beyond for more than three decades and planned to call it day in May when his insurances expires.

But with the coronavirus outbreak, Les has decided to hand over his keys now and says he is looking forward to a much-deserved retirement, once the COVID-19 is over.

“I have retired – I was supposed to go to the end of May,” he said.

“But with COVID-19 I decided to stop work now.

“I wasn’t doing very much towards the end so it felt right to do it.

“I’ve been driving for 33 years and I’m very proud of it.

“There’s been some changes in the last few years, with the increase in traffic and it’s been difficult keeping up with arriving on times.

“I think my punctuality was very good and I really enjoyed meeting people. They have been very nice on the community page when I said I was retiring.

“It seems they were sad to see me stop as I always gave 100 per cent. I did a lot of work for the college, and I always got them to the airport and never broke down.

“I’m 74 now so I probably owe it to the wife to stop as she’s had to deal with me popping out all the time, missing meals and it’s time for a proper holiday.”