The Flying Scotsman made its last scheduled run with British Railways, the age of steam made way for diesel and electric trains and Dr Beeching published his controversial report leading to the axing of minor lines across the country.

Forty-four years on, Robert, from Lucastes Road in Haywards Heath, has just retired from Southern after witnessing the changes at close quarters and working as a train driver for more than 36 years.

Robert, aged 60, was forced to retire early from his job on health grounds after a spinal bleed caused life threatening complications last year. During a spell in intensive care his heart stopped beating, but he pulled through and is adjusting to life with restricted movement.

Robert, who is the proud owner of a certificate of appreciation for his long service on the railways, started in the industry at 16 on an oily, messy job cleaning diesels, but there was plenty to distract him.

He recalled: "There were still a few steam trains around. I travelled on the footplate sometimes and it was great. It was like cuddling a favourite rabbit toy. To me, a steam train was a living thing and I remember the lovely smell of hot oil."

Some of the minor lines were still open when Robert first started on the railways and he occasionally travelled from East Grinstead to Three Bridges before the line closed in the Beeching cuts. Part of the line has since re-opened as the Bluebell Railway.

At 23 Robert fulfilled a long-held dream and qualified as a train driver. He drove suburban trains before moving from a depot near Lewisham to Salisbury where he enjoyed travel of a different kind – riding his Norton motorbike round the country lanes in his spare time.

Robert finished his career working on the Brighton line and, after his back problems, he has experienced train journeys as a passenger.
He said: "Southern's services for disabled passengers are excellent and everyone has treated us with such courtesy."