A BLACKWOOD man who entered the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest coach driver, has died aged 92.

Ken Perry built K Perry and Sons Coaches of Woodfieldside to a thriving business that now has 10 vehicles, employing 12 people.

Mr Perry entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2001, when he was still driving at the age of 82. Even though he retired soon after, he lived next door to the coach yard and was a massive presence in the company up until his death.

His son, Bernard said: "Dad had a window cut out of the side of his house, so he could watch what was going on. Even in his 90s, he was still the boss and everyone respected and liked him."

Mr Perry was born in the Rhondda, but moved to Penmaen Farm, near Blackwood, with his family when he was young.

He started working down Oakdale Colliery at 14. But, in 1940, he and wife, Molly, launched what would become K Perry and Sons Coaches.

They started off with one car, delivering milk to schools, before this developed into a taxi business.

This involved taking midwives to houses from Risca to Ebbw Vale and miners to work in collieries.

They bought land and garages and the family business now does private coach hire for school, weddings and group trips.

Bernard Perry said the achievements of his parents was a great source of pride, adding: "He would always say ‘what is ours is ours’. You can go to bed knowing it is all ours."

The business is still run by Mr Perry’s son Bernard and his son Richard, part of a large family which also includes Mr Perry's daughter Cheryl, 59 and son Roger, 52 along with 10 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Mrs Perry died three years ago and Ken Perry died at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital last Thursday after contracting pneumonia following an illness.

His funeral takes place at Woodfield Park Funeral Home this Thursday at 11am followed by a committal at Gwent Crematorium at 12.30pm.

The family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers for the British Heart Foundation, care of Woodfield Park Funeral Home, Blackwood. Telephone 01495 221832.