A much-loved Truro driving instructor has retired after over four decades of work.

Derek Westgate hung up his driving gloves last Tuesday after 44 years with the British School of Motoring. He worked as a driving instructor and manager of the Truro centre during that time.

The managing directors of BSM came to the Truro centre to congratulate Derek on his retirement and held a special presentation to thank him for his service.

His former colleagues at BSM said: “Derek enjoys working with people, especially the wide variety of learners he has taught.

“He finds is very satisfying when his learners pass their tests and when he sees them out and about on the roads.

“One of Derek’s most memorable driving lessons is where the pupil changed gear and the gear stick came off in their hand.”

Derek, who has taught over 2000 learners since 1964, explained the changes he had seen in his time as an instructor.

“Compared to when I first started driving instruction, the test has improved a lot. It is much stricter which is important for road safety.

“People’s attitudes to learning to drive have changed a lot over the years, as they are less serious when learning to drive nowadays.

“The quality of the cars used by instructors has also improved. In the past, if your car had any problems, you’d have to change it for whatever you were given – even it was a completely different car.”