THE managing director at one of Oxfordshire's bus companies has announced he is going to retire.

Martin Sutton currently works for Stagecoach in Oxfordshire but will step down after 46 years in the bus industry.

Starting his career in 1972, he has been the managing director for the past 14 years, will step down on 5 July with his replacement set to be announced shortly.

Mr Sutton began his career with Trent Motor Traction Co. Ltd. In Derby, and after time spent with several different operators, he joined Stagecoach in 1997, when he was appointed Managing Director of Stagecoach Cheltenham & Gloucester (now Stagecoach West).

In 2000, Martin became Managing Director of Stagecoach South Midlands until, in 2004, South Midlands was divided into two – Stagecoach Midlands and Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, at which point he took on the role of Managing Director, Stagecoach in Oxfordshire.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my years in the bus industry and especially my time here in Oxford.

"It has been a great privilege to work with so many wonderful people, and I shall leave with many great memories.”

Stagecoach in Oxfordshire has more than 550 employees and a fleet of almost 180 vehicles.