A NEW private hire company been has set up in Portishead in memory of one of the town’s longest serving taxi drivers.

The new business called Heardy Cars has been named after David Heard, who set up Carbrite Taxis with his wife Carole in the 1980s. David died suddenly in October aged 60.

David Smyth, owner of the new company said: “Dave’s death was a big loss to the community and a lot of his friends and colleagues wanted to see some kind of tribute to him in Portishead. A new taxi firm in his name seems an ideal way of keeping his memory alive.”

Carole Heard said: “This is very touching and I have no doubt Dave would be very proud of this venture.”

Heardy’s Cars operates from Portishead and also incorporates 2nd Avenue Cars.