THE DIRECTOR of a coach company which suddenly ceased trading on Thursday, January 17 has spoken about how “soul destroying” it was when he had to tell each one of his 25 staff members that they were being made redundant.

John Smith director of the family run company, John Smith and Sons Limited, said the decision to fold the company had not been taken lightly.

He said: “The decision to shut down John Smith and Sons has been very hard to make, the business is all we have known all our lives, as boys and men.

“I would like to thank all of the team, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of drivers and maintenance staff.

The coach company, based in Dalton near Thirsk, had been trading from North Yorkshire since 1935 and had built up a fleet of 20 coaches and buses.

It also ran a vintage bus for use on special runs.

Speaking about the company’s final day, Mr Smith added: “The day we had to tell everyone was soul destroying and the hardest thing any of us have had to do.

“The reception we received from the team was amazing and touched us all to the core, showing how highly they thought of us.

“I would like to wish them all the best in the future.”

On Monday, January 21 it was announced that the directors instructed Mike Jenkins and David Broadbent of Begbies Traynor to help with the winding up of the company.

Whilst the liquidation process is scheduled to formally begin, with a creditors meeting on February 13.

The company’s collapse happened after Thursday morning’s school run which meant many school children struggled to get home once the company had ceased trading by the afternoon.

The company had operated 14 school runs and one local bus service which was run under contract by North Yorkshire County Council.

The council were advised that the company would not be in a position to run the school services and were forced to make emergency arrangements with other firms.

Assistant director at the council Ian Fielding said: “Our team has worked hard to make sure the school bus services continue to operate and we will be working closely with schools as we seek to make permanent alternative arrangements.”