More than 70 people attended a reception to meet the drivers of the Coggeshall Community Bus and celebrate the 20th anniversary of chairman Derek North taking up the role.

The bus is a volunteer-run scheme set up in 1982 which operates a 16 times a day service to and from Kelvedon train station.

Secretary Nick Cody said: “Derek has been driving the bus for 27 years and 20 years ago I twisted his arm to become chairman.

“He was quite reluctant but I thought he was the best person for the job and he has given many years of fantastic service.”

Mr Cody added that the service was always looking for new volunteers.