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.  

Norwich Evening News: He started his Norwich station career as a messenger boy at age 14 He started his Norwich station career as a messenger boy at age 14 (Image: Darren Browne)

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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.

Norwich Evening News: Friends and family came together to congratulate him Friends and family came together to congratulate him (Image: Darren Browne)

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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.  

Norwich Evening News: he was met with applause as his disembarked from his train he was met with applause as his disembarked from his train (Image: Darren Browne)

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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.  

Norwich Evening News: He has become well-known for being a very passionate driver and colleague He has become well-known for being a very passionate driver and colleague (Image: Darren Browne)