This is the emotional moment long-serving train driver Joe Crean was greeted by family and friends as he pulled into Picadilly station for the final time. Joe, 69, has retired after a staggering 52 years on the railway.
As the well-wishers who had gathered on Platform One burst into applause, Joe took off his glasses and shed a tear. His final journey was also marked by a PA announcement thanking him for his service- and a special message displayed on the information boards.
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Joe, of Glossop, said: "I have over half a century of cherished memories on the railway, and it means a lot to have shared my final journey with both my family and my railway family."
Joe spent his whole career on the railway, first joining in 1971 as a steward in the dining car for British Rail. In June 1980 he became a driver after five years of training. Then, in 2011, he took a job at TransPennine Express, where he spent several years as a driver instructor, helping to train the next generation of drivers.
Asked what he'll miss most about the job, Joe said it would be his workmates. "The camaraderie is second to none," he said.
"Throughout my career I've experienced happy times and sad times, good times and bad but I've always had the support and friendship of my colleagues. The friends you make on the tracks will be your friends for life."
The dad-of-two now plans to volunteer at his beloved football club Glossop North End and spend more time with family. TPE manging director Matthew Golton said: "Joe is amongst the rare few who have achieved the 50-year milestone on the railway.
"His retirement marks the end of an era but his legacy and contributions towards the future generation of drivers will carry on. He has been a credit to TPE and will be sorely missed."
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