A BUS driver from Dunfermline has died due to COVID-19.

Graham Kemp lost his life in hospital on March 21 at the age of 68 after a “long battle” with coronavirus.

He is the third driver at the First Bus depot in Larbert to die after contracting the virus.

His family said he would be “greatly missed by all”.

A tribute has been paid from First Bus to Graham, who worked with the company for a decade.

Andrew Jarvis, managing director for First Midland, said: “I can confirm that one of our colleagues, Graham Kemp, has sadly passed away in hospital following a long battle with coronavirus.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“Graham was a popular member of the Larbert team, who worked with the company for 10 years and he will be sorely missed. We are of course offering every assistance to his family at this time as well as offering our full support to all our colleagues in the Larbert depot.

“The safety of our staff and customers is always our number one priority and since the first cases were identified on site, we have worked closely with NHS Forth Valley’s public health department to take all necessary steps to minimise the risk of a spread of the infection with the mitigations we have in place.

“I would like to pay tribute to the whole team, who continue to work hard, and especially our fantastic staff, who are providing a lifeline to allow fellow key workers to access their jobs in the most difficult of circumstances.”

Graham’s obituary was published in the Press last week and his family offered their thanks to the staff at the Victoria Hospital for their care of him.

The notice said: “Graham, aged 68 years, was the much-loved husband of Susan, dad of Carolynne, brother of Stuart and the late Douglas, as well as brother-in-law, father-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, friend and neighbour.

“He will be greatly missed by all.

“Heartfelt thanks to the ICU department for the care they gave Graham during his fight with COVID-19, and the support given to his family throughout.”

Due to current coronavirus restrictions, his funeral service will be held in private.

Two of Graham’s fellow bus drivers at First Bus, Thomas Rooney and Robert Fraser, also died within a fortnight of each other in February due to coronavirus.