A disabled Newent pensioner was left marooned in his powered wheelchair after a bus failed to arrived to take him home from Ledbury

John McMahon had travelled into town on a Stagecoach low-floor bus in the belief that one would be available to take him back.

However, the 3pm bus did not arrive and the 5.15pm service had steps that could not accommodate his wheelchair.

Mr McMahon, aged 72, who has been wheelchair user for eight years following a stroke, said: "Perhaps I should have phoned up before and made arrangements, but why should I have to make a phone call?

"I moved to Newent from Northern Ireland in February and I wanted to see around the country."

Mr McMahon sought help from Ledbury Tourist Information Centre supervisor Chris Clarke.

Normally, the TIC closes at 5.00pm but Mrs Clarke and her staff were working late that day.

They contacted the police and got the number of a Hereford-based taxi firm with a vehicle big enough to accommodate Mr McMahon's wheelchair.

Stagecoach was contacted and offered to pay the £40 taxi fare or to send a low-floor bus if Mr McMahon was willing to wait.

He chose to wait for the bus and TIC staff remained with him until 6.30pm to try and keep his spirits up. McMahon then went outside for his bus, which eventually arrived at 7.15pm.

"The staff in the TIC were very helpful and I'm very grateful for their help," he said. "They are wonderful ladies and I'm still looking for a card to send them."

Mr McMahon has already sent a card to Stagecoach, thanking them for putting on the extra bus.

Bob Dorr, of Stagecoach, said the firm normally operates four low-floor buses and usually there is one operating there and back on the Ledbury to Newent run.

However, on the day Mr McMahon was marooned two low-floor vehicles were off the road by chance.

Mr Door said: "What happened was a bit unfortunate but we did our best for a regular and valued customer."