AN AUTISTIC man told he “wouldn’t last one month” in his job officially retired today, after 28 years.

As the Argus first reported in 1991, doubt was cast that Shaun Condon would last long in his job with Newport Bus due to his autism.

But earlier this week, we reported how he had a hard-working, loyal and popular member of the team, with his colleagues and his mother commending him on his achievement.

And yesterday he officially put away his cleaning kit for the last time.

Senior fleet engineer at Newport Bus Michael Diez said yesterday: “He’ll be greatly missed. 

“He’s welcome back whenever he wants.”

Finance director of Newport Transport - which runs Newport Bus - David Jenkins, added: “Twenty-eight years for any employee is a long time, and he’s been a brilliant model employee.

Speaking of his retirement, Mr Condon said: “I’m looking forward to going to the cinema with my mum.”