A Norwich train driver has the brakes on to begin a well-earned retirement after working on the railways for 50 years.
Steve Wilkinson was greeted by applause as he disembarked from his final drive – the 12.13pm from Liverpool Lime Street last Thursday as family, friends and colleagues gathered to congratulate him on a job well done.
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He has become very well known for his passion for the job and the people he works with – with many of his colleagues having stories and memories.
Steve started on the railway at the age of 14 on April 3, 1973 – his first role was as a messenger boy.
He later moved on to become a signal box boy in Thorpe Junction box.
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In 1974 Steve made another move and joined the train crew, becoming the driver's assistant.
He moved to Stratford and became a driver in 1980 where he would spend the next six years – but ultimately his love for Norwich would pull him back.
He spent the following 10 years as a driver with Greater Anglia, then Central Trains but he finished up his driving days on Thursday in his role as a driver for East Midlands railway.
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His colleague Darren ‘Denzil’ Browne said: “Steve is a person who would go the extra mile to help anyone, both inside and outside of work.
“Once a tree fell across the tracks and before anyone turned up to help, Steve was out there using a handsaw from the emergency cupboard to get a head start on clearing it.”
“He will be missed by everyone who knows him – and that is nearly everyone, even those from different railway companies.
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