A SPRIGHTLY 71-year-old school bus driver is urging Worcestershire County Council to change the rules that forced him to abandon the job he loved because he was considered to be too old.

Ernest Fidoe, who plans to work until he is 75, has renewed his calls after Herefordshire Council decided to scrap its upper age limit for drivers.

He appealed to Worcestershire County Council when his home-to-school contract ended after his 70th birthday last year, but the rule remained in force.

Now he wants them to follow Herefordshire's lead so that he can resume the school bus route he had been operating on for 15 years.

Since his regular runs to The Chantry High School, Martley, were stopped, his working week has been cut from five to two, leaving him struggling on his state pension.

"I've passed strict medical tests to prove that I'm still fit to drive. I have to do that every 12 months," said Mr Fidoe, of Holt Heath.

"Apart from school runs, I can drive anyone anywhere in the world. That is the stupidity of it.

"Herefordshire have lifted their age limit, provided the operating companies send them a copy of the licence and medical report. I don't see why Worcestershire can't do the same."

Andrew Blackman, admissions and transport officer for Herefordshire Council, said it had reviewed its policy, which had been in place since 1987, following representations by various schools, operators and members of the Bus Forum.

"After consulting the relevant departments and individuals, we found that the 1987 policy was no longer seen as relevant in today's climate," he said.

"Provided that drivers aged 70 and over have a current valid and relevant licence to operate the vehicle concerned, then no upper age limit need apply."

Peter Roberts, network co-ordinator for Worcestershire County Council, said the restriction for dedicated school contracts was put in place several years ago following concerns from parents about the age of drivers.

"I think the fear was over the increased possibility of heart attacks," he said.

The policy remains in force, but Mr Roberts said that, following the decision by Herefordshire, it was now under review.

"We have an open mind and we are looking into it," he said.