Despite the snow and slush yesterday, one bus service was up and running from the crack of dawn.

The first driver of the day on the Abus service to Keynsham was Paul Ricketts, who has been driving buses for 26 years, and it takes more than a bit of snow to deter him from his duties.

Every day he drives the 349 service from Union Street in the city centre to Keynsham and back in a loop to Bristol.

Yesterday was no different – he made it to the bus depot in St Phillip's and was ready to take on passengers in Keynsham at 6.50am as the rest of Bristol was in a snowy panic.

Paul, 63, worked for First Bus for 20 years before he started at Abus six years ago, and although he was eager to ensure the route was safe, he was confident that his years of experience stood him in good stead to take on the difficult conditions.

Paul said: "The first drive of the morning was a bit slushy. I had to take it steady but that's exactly what I did. I just took it slow and steady, and I was fine."