Gatwick Express marks 40 years with waistcoats

Wearing a commemorative waistcoat, Mark Thake said he was proud to have worked in the rail industry for 46 years

The Gatwick Express has marked its 40th anniversary by giving away free commemorative ruby waistcoats.

The rail passenger service first opened to the public on 14 May 1984.

Sophie Hill, Head of Gatwick Express, said they wanted to offer "something unique and collectable" for their "superfans".

Wearing his own commemorative waistcoat, Mark Thake, Gatwick Express on board supervisor, said it was an "honour" to mark the anniversary.

The first Gatwick Express service ran on 14 May 1984

Mr Thake said he was "very proud" to have worked on the Gatwick Express for the last seven years.

He said: "Every day is different and you get to meet people from all over the world, who always have interesting stories to tell."

Mr Thake said technology has brought big changes to the industry and has made communication with conductors and drivers "much easier".

The Gatwick Express rail passenger service launched 40 years ago

The red trains carry over 30 million passengers between London Victoria, Gatwick Airport, Haywards Heath and Brighton every year.

The Gatwick Airport train station opened in June 1958, providing travel between London and Brighton.

Due to the growing popularity of the service, the Gatwick Express was launched 26 years later.

Mr Thake said: "I have had a long career and I think this is probably going to be my last position on the railways, so it is [about] making everything of the time I've got left on the trains."