Oswestry trucker and his lorry Bully retiring after 15 years on road together
Brian and Bully come as a pair, the truck driver and his truck. They have travelled the roads of Britain for 15 years, the distinguishable union jack livery loved by truck spotters and children alike.
They headed a Queen's Diamond Jubilee parade and there are even die-cast models of Bully, the Scania lorry, available to buy.
But now the inseparable pair are calling it a day. Brian Eccleston is retiring at the age of 68 and his employers, Ridgway Rentals of St Martins near Oswestry, have decided that it is the perfect time to take Bully off the road.
Stuart Jones, of Ridgway, said: "Brian has been driving Bully from the very first day. It doesn't seem right to have anyone else drive this lorry."
Mr Eccleston said it had been a wonderful 15 years after a 53-year career in both driving and construction.
"I semi-retired about 15 years ago but then Ridgway asked me to step in when a driver was off sick and do six weeks. I knew the family and so I agreed.
"Those six weeks turned into 15 years," he said. "I've have enjoyed those years so much. Bully, named because of its bull nose, has certainly attracted attention. Everywhere we go people wave to us from motorway bridges and want to take photos and come and talk and climb up into the cab. I've taken the truck onto schools to show the children, led the Diamond Jubilee parade and carnivals and I have even driven Father Christmas to see the children at Hope House Hospice.
"My children have been asking me when I am going to call it a day so I think it is time I retired"
