c2c’s Peter Garnett – a familiar figure at Benfleet station - is retiring after 50 years of working in the rail industry.

Peter joined the railway at the beginning of February 1962 as a junior porter or ‘box boy’ at Southend Central station. He progressed to working as a ticket collector and train guard, before moving to a customer services role at Benfleet station. During his career on the rails Peter has seen a great many changes on the railway from steam trains to the introduction of c2c’s new fleet of Class 357 trains in 2003.

Peter has loved the variety of the work he has undertaken on the railway and particularly the people he has met, both colleagues and customers alike. 

Julian Drury c2c’s Managing Director said “I’d like to thank Peter for his loyalty and commitment to the railway. Peter is an example of how customer service should be, he is always willing to help, always calm and dedicated. Many of his customers are on first name terms with him and I know he will be truly missed. I’d like to wish him a very happy retirement.”

Peter is a keen DIY enthusiast and hopes to spend more time when he retires working on his home and garden.