Said the following about Dennis Squirrell:

“Dennis Squirrell, a grandfather and top performing member of the team at Ely station, is celebrating 50 years on the railway.

Dennis Squirrell joined the railway on 8 August, 1966, when he was just 15 years old, working for British Rail as a trainee crossing keeper at Ely North Level Crossing.

He worked at several local crossings including West River, Kiln Lane and Queen Adelaide, before moving to Cambridge Carriage Sidings to join the presentation team, which is responsible for cleaning the carriages.

After 14 years, he joined the team at Ely as a station cleaner and customer service assistant before moving to train dispatch in 2013.

‘My favourite part of the job is de nitely the people,’ he said. ‘I see so many friendly faces every day and it’s good to have a laugh and share a joke. I have really enjoyed my time working on the railway and have made so many friends. I don’t plan to retire just yet!’

Dennis, who lives in Ely, enjoys spending his holidays in the Isle of Wight with his wife, Karen, and their little dog, always travelling by train. The father of three has two grandchildren and another on the way.

Says Andrew Goodrum, customer service director, Abellio Greater Anglia, ‘We are very grateful to Dennis for his long service on the railway. He consistently has high scores from mystery shop audits and has been recognised for his rst- rate customer service on many occasions.

‘Dennis is very highly thought of by his colleagues and by customers, and has his own unique style of friendly banter with many of our regular customers. Well done, Dennis, and congratulations on 50 years’ service to the railway.’“