A LONG-time coach company employee celebrated a milestone birthday by doing what she loves best - going to work.

Maureen Schofield has worked at Weymouth-based Bluebird Coaches since 1987.

Now in her 32nd year at the company, she recently celebrated her 80th birthday by clocking in, as usual, to her job as an accounts clerk at the company's offices on the Esplanade.

Dedicated Maureen once walked in heavy snow from her home on Portland to Weymouth to make sure the firm was open for business, according to co-owner Martyn Hoare.

He said: "I can hardly believe that Maureen has been working with us for over 30 years or that she is 80 years of age.

"We are very lucky to have Maureen as part of the Bluebird team. She is more of a family friend than an employee but her precision and dedication to the company are invaluable. You can count on one hand the number of days that she has had off work in 32 years.

"I would like to thank her on behalf of the Bluebird family for her continuous service and commitment."

On her birthday, Maureen was presented with a bright bouquet of flowers and a birthday cake at the office.

Maureen said: "It has been a joy to work at Bluebird.

"The office is happy and busy, the management and staff help me to keep me young at heart and I have no intention of retiring just yet."

And Maureen's special birthday isn't the only cause for celebration this year.

Bluebird Coaches will be celebrating its own 95th birthday in September when the company will host an open day for its customers and suppliers in Weymouth. In the meantime, the Bluebird Coaches holidays promotional trailer will be out and about from Monday with copies of its new brochure.