From
the BBC» :
Tony Clark was following in the footsteps of his train driver father Bill when he started working on the railways in 1961.
He started his career as a junior porter at Exeter St David's on 2 January 1961, at the age of 15.
And now he is retiring after 50 years on the railways in a number of jobs.
During his five decades of service he has worked in the signal box, on the platform and as a freight train shunter before becoming a train guard in 1976.
He subsequently became a train manager, a role in which he stayed until his retirement.
"Things have changed so much over the years, especially with the death of steam and the introduction of diesel trains," he said.
"Steam trains were so much nicer. I will miss working for First Great Western, I've met a lot of wonderful colleagues and customers, including many regular travellers over the years and I'll miss them all.
"I'll miss the camaraderie, it's been like having one great big family."
Tony said he has enjoyed every role for "different reasons" and has always had the security of knowing he would never be out of work with the railways.
He added: "When I was growing up you were lucky to get a job and, as long as you keep your nose clean, a job in the railways was a job for life."
A party is being held in Tony's honour at Exeter's Great Western Hotel to celebrate his long service.
His manager Robin Barrington-Best said: "Tony will be sorely missed after serving nearly 50 years on the railway."
So what does Tony have in store for his retirement?
"I like fishing so I expect I'll be doing more of that.
"But I'm just going to take each day as it comes and just do what I feel like when I wake up, you never know what surprises are round the corner."
