RICHARD Angier waved goodbye to Ely station following his last shift this week, after nearly half a century of service to the railway.

Richard joined the railway in 1965, fast becoming a familiar face at the station and serving the local community for many years. Latterly he has worked as part of the customer service team at Ely station, dispatching trains and helping customers.

All in all, he has clocked up an amazing 48 years service on the railway.

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s area customer service manager, said: “Richard has been an exemplary employee. Every job he has performed has been accomplished with that unique Richard touch - humour, charm and courtesy, which has been utterly irresistible to all who have met him.

“We have the greatest respect for Richard, he is an Ely legend and we hope he will continue to visit the station regularly.”

Richard, who lives in Ely, has a passion for gardening and looks forward to having more time to devote to his favourite pastime during his retirement.