An “inspirational” 71-year-old who has worked on the railway for more than 50 years has vowed to carry on in the job he cherishes.

Dougie Calder, from Broadstairs, has occupied several roles serving millions of customers on the rail network as part of Southeastern’s team in Thanet.

Now a station supervisor, he was just 16 when he joined British Rail in 1969, where he started as a junior porter at Margate.

Dougie later progressed to be a railwayman and shunter before moving to Ramsgate to be a conductor - though later returned to Margate to work in the station.

Reflecting on his lengthy stint at the firm, he said: "When you enjoy what you do, you keep doing it. I've enjoyed all the jobs I've had on the railway.

"I've seen many things change over the years. When I started, I had to get under dirty trains to couple the wagons, but they're now gone.

“Slam door trains have also been replaced with highspeed trains and it's amazing how much that transformed the service.

"I've had so many opportunities and I'm lucky to have worked with so many characters.

“I've been very lucky to have achieved everything I have on the railway, and I have no plans to retire all the time I'm healthy."

He shows no signs of slowing down either, continuing to cycle to work for shifts lasting up to 12 hours.

His achievement was celebrated at a party on December 6 where current and former colleagues joined together to commemorate Dougie.

The coin collector was presented with a coin engraved with the date he joined the railway.

David Wornham, Southeastern's passenger services director, said: "Dougie's passion and his commitment to the railways in Kent over his career has been remarkable.

“He's hugely popular among his colleagues and the many customers he's served over his 55 years.

"He is a real-life example of how the railway can be a career for life – and as we look forward to the 200th anniversary of the railway in 2025, I hope his story inspires a new generation to join us."