THE longest serving driver with Dawlish Community Transport has been honoured by having a vehicle named after him.
Eric Smallridge retired last year after 30 years volunteering for the charity and having been involved since it was created.
The charity’s newest wheelchair-accessible Citroen Berlingo has been named after Eric in his honour.
In a surprise unveiling at the community transport headquarters, Eric’s name was revealed on the car.
Office manager Sally Preston said: ‘We thought there was no better name for the vehicle than Eric.
‘He’s been here so long, longer than anyone, we managed to surprise him and the mayor was there to thank him as well.
‘We wanted to honour him and remind him although he has retired, he is always in our hearts,’
The vehicle joining the charity’s fleet will be used to transport passengers to medical appointments and for social and well being trips.
The charity was gifted funds to buy a new vehicle as the charity generally keeps them for only about 10 to 12 years.
However, due to a national shortage, they were unable to obtain the bespoke vehicle they actually wanted.
This is a second-hand car which replaces one of the decommissioned vehicles until the bespoke one becomes available.
Last year, Eric was presented with a special commendation at the National Community Transport awards as part of the Lifetime Achievement category.
Eric, who is in his 70s, began volunteering in 1993 as a driver, having taken a work break and has been on board until retiring last year.
Over the years he has served hundreds of people.
Main picture: Eric Smallridge and the Dawlish Community Transport and Shopmobility team. Inset: A surprise awaits Eric as the name is revealed.