A man who fought racism in the rail industry has had a train named after him.

Asquith Xavier, from Chatham, has his name emblazoned on the side of one of Avanti West Coast’s Pendolino trains in honour off his fight to overturn a 1960s decision to bar him from working at Euston because of his race.

The Pendolino 390103, has been named after Asquith and was unveiled officially by his daughter Maria at London Euston station on September 28.

Maria Magdalena-Xavier said: "To think about what our father experienced, whilst applying for a promotion as a train guard at Euston Station with the racial discrimination he faced, and now to this day - a train being named after him in his honour and recognising his important campaign, is truly amazing.

"I sincerely hope that the passengers on their train journey will take the time to look up and learn about our father's journey to justice. I also hope that in addition to this, that staff at stations and on board will find the story of Asquith Xavier an inspirational one."

Rail minister Huw Merriman MP said: “Asquith Xavier’s fight against discrimination paved the way for equality across the railways, leading to crucial change across the country and shaping the Race Relations Act.

“His story and determination for fair employment is one that everyone should know, and I’m delighted to see his name adorn this train for passengers up and down the country to see and be inspired by.”

Andy Mellors, managing director for Avanti West Coast, said: “To mark Asquith Xavier’s achievements like this is a wonderful honour for someone who left an incredible legacy which goes beyond the rail industry. This will be seen around our network and will celebrate his campaign which still has an impact today.”

This is the second time the father of seven, who lived in Grove Road, in Chatham, has been honoured by a train company.

A plaque remembering him was unveiled at Chatham Railway Station in 2020.

Simon Bennett, head of stations and passenger experience for West Coast South at Network Rail, said: "We were delighted to host this train naming event in honour of Asquith Xavier at London Euston station.

“Along with the plaque installed in the station in 2020, it will be another reminder of Asquith’s legacy as we continue with our commitment to being an industry where each individual is valued, respected and encouraged to reach their full potential."

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch described the train naming as an “important initiative to remember National Union of Railwaymen member and guard Asquith Xavier”.

He added: “I am proud that members of my union’s predecessor the National Union of Railwaymen backed Asquith in his fight and the union raised the issue with British Rail which agreed to end institutional racial discrimination at London stations.

“We have come a long way since then and my union stands for equality across society which still needs to be championed by everyone.”

Asquith first came to Britain in 1958 from his native Dominica in the West Indies. He was turned down for the job of security guard at Euston station as British Railways (BR) only employed white people for the role.

The level of institutionalised racism was so severe, unions and management had informally agreed in the 1950s to ban non-whites from jobs involving contact with the public.

He refused to back down and on July 15 1966, BR announced London stations would abandon the policies and Mr Asquith was offered the job.

He started work on August 15 were he was subjected to abuse from bigots, receiving death threats and hate mail, which required him to have police protection.