A LOCAL family run coach service has had their 40th anniversary.

Friday, July 1 marked the 40th anniversary of Mervyn’s Coaches. The company, founded by Mervyn Annetts in 1982, now has three generations of the family operating the service.

The coach company acknowledged the milestone on Facebook, they said: “Mervyn's Coaches would like to thank all of our customers and friends for your continued support, and we are committed to serving you with excellence for years to come”

Over 200 people reacted to the post with many commenting “congratulations”.

Responding to the Facebook post, Emily Chilton said: "Happy Anniversary. Amazing team- my family loved going on days out with you guys, you even did amazing for my prom transport in 2016."

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Customer Peter Brown commented: “Brilliant. Wonderful servants and friends to the community. See you soon!"

Based in Micheldever, Winchester Mervyn’s Coaches offer travel and private hire across Winchester, Southampton, Andover and Basingstoke.

Hampshire Chronicle: Mervyn's Coaches 40th anniversary

The team are set to celebrate with a barbecue on Friday to thank the staff for their continued hard work.

Grandson of Mervyn and managing partner, Josh Annetts said: “Not much has changed in respect to how we run the business because it’s been successful and we like to keep the traditional side of it going, we’ve always been very customer orientated.

“But over the last five years we’ve been trying to invest in lower emission vehicles and wheelchair accessibility.

Hampshire Chronicle: Mervyn's Coaches based in Micheldever, Winchester

The 30 year old added: “We’ve obviously left an impression. My granddad Mervyn was working a wedding about a year ago and the bride said I hate to tell you this, but you did my sister’s wedding about three years ago and you also did my mum’s wedding 25 years ago.”

Mervyn, 78, started the company with just one coach. Forty years on, the local transport provider bus now has 10 coaches, offering a range of services including two school buses, corporate hire, vintage vehicles, wedding transport and excursions.

For more information visit mervynscoaches.com/home.

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