A Pewsey bus driver who has dedicated more than 20 years of service to his hometown was originally told he ‘wouldn’t get on in life’.

Mark Borissoff is a familiar face to hundreds in the Pewsey Vale area, having worked as a bus driver since 2001, first for Wilts and Dorset and later for the Salisbury Reds.

As he approaches the anniversary of his 23rd year of service, Mark revealed that becoming a bus driver hasn’t always been easy.

The 54-year-old, who has a learning disability has spoken out about why young people shouldn't be labelled.

Mark Borissoff is one of Pewsey's most dedicated bus driversMark Borissoff is one of Pewsey's most dedicated bus drivers (Image: Mark Borissoff)

“I was in a special needs class at St John’s School in Marlborough until 1986 because I had dyslexia and learning disabilities and people thought I wouldn’t get on in life or hold down a job,” he told the Gazette and Herald.

“But I've driven for Salisbury Reds for 23 years this year, and I’m one of the very few remaining drivers who used to drive the old service 95 and 96.

“Salisbury Reds have given me all the help and support that I could have possibly needed with my disability and I've gained so much confidence with day-to-day life by meeting so many lovely people, plus help and support from my partner Hayley.

“I’ve done so much better than people ever thought I would."

As well as his long service to Pewsey Vale as a bus driver, Mark has also helped to raise thousands of pounds for charity singing with the Pewsey male voice choir and has worked alongside community organisations such as Pewsey Carnival and Pewsey St John’s Church.

Mark was told from a very early age that he 'wouldn't get on in life'Mark was told from a very early age that he 'wouldn't get on in life' (Image: Mark Borissoff)

Mark told the Gazette and Herald was originally inspired to try bus driving because his grandmother was a conductress for Wilts and Dorset bus company during the Second World War.

“I’ve had to overcome hurdles and problems to become a bus driver but I love my job," he added.

"I hope and pray that other children who are told that they won't achieve much get the help and support they need to prove people wrong."

Since revealing the struggles he faced, the bus driver has also been met with an outpouring of love from Pewsey locals on social media.

"We definitely need more people like you Mark," said one commenter.

"We need to change our education system and put far more value on all skills and trades that we need in our communities."