Train manager, 84, still loves life on railway

A passionate 84-year-old train manager who was "born into the sound of trains" has said his job gives him "a reason to get up in the morning".

Bob Carpenter works for Avanti West Coast, based at London Euston station, operating services to and from the West Midlands and the north west of England.

He is believed to be one of the oldest train managers in the UK, according to the rail company.

Carpenter said: "I have many interests at home; however, we've all got to have something which we love doing, and working in this job is what I love doing."

He grew up in south London and, after leaving school, worked in clerical roles for Royal Mail before joining British Railways in 1992 as a member of catering staff.

From there, he climbed his way up to the role of train manager, a position he has now held for nearly 35 years. Carpenter currently works part-time.

He added: "I've loved the railway since I was a kid. Growing up close to the main line between London Bridge and Brighton, I was sort of born into the sounds of trains.

"I could have stopped work when I reached retirement age, but it gives me a reason to get up in the morning."

Carpenter has six grandchildren, with one following almost exactly in his footsteps, joining Avanti West Coast in 2006 in catering before progressing to train manager.

Nick said: "It was inevitable, to be honest, with my grandad being such a good role model.

"As a child I'd go to his house with my brothers and he'd turn up in his uniform at 9pm and tell us, 'I've been to Scotland and back in a day' – that for me was magic."

Nick explained that when he was 10, his family went on holiday and visited the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, where his grandfather bought him a souvenir train whistle.

"It sat in my cupboard of keepsakes for years, and now it is my whistle for work, and I never leave without it."

Avanti West Coast customer experience director Kathryn O'Brien said: "Bob is a much-loved and highly respected part of our onboard team, who displays an incredible passion for the railway and his job every time he steps on to a train.

"Bob truly is a fantastic role model to highlight that you should never give up on achieving your dream job – no matter your age."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk