Platform guard of honour for retiring train driver

A popular train driver received a guard of honour on the platform as he retired after more than 40 years on the job.

Bob Darlington, who started work on the railways in 1983, drove his last Northern train from Manchester Victoria to Chester and back this week.

The 59-year-old - known as Bobby D - was welcomed back on the platform by family, friends and colleagues paying tribute to the "very special driver".

Mr Darlington said he now plans to be "on a beach somewhere with sandals on".

Colleagues, family and friends gathered for train driver Bob Darlington's retirement send off

An on-board announcement from his colleagues to passengers said Mr Darlington, from Hyde, had been a "pleasure to work with" during his 41 years' service.

As well as being a driver, he has worked as an instructor, and estimated he had played a part in the training of nearly all drivers who learned their trade at Manchester Victoria station.

"I'd recommend this role to anyone," he said.

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