John signals that it's time to hand over the baton

METRO worker has retired after almost 40 years of maintaining its signalling system.

- DAVID HUNTLEY

John Eagle said he was proud to have played his part on the Tyne and Wear Metro over so many decades.The 66-year-old from Gateshead has worked on Metro signalling since 1987, but has now bade an emotional farewell to his colleagues and a job that he describes as his passion.

Metro operator Nexus said John was a true stalwart of Metro signalling maintenance and had given dedicated service spanning four decades.

John oversaw a team who worked through all weathers to fix the signals across the 77km Metro system.

They look after 420 signals, 500,000km of cable, 133 customer information displays and 350 junction boxes.

Their work which mostly goes unnoticed by the public is critical to the safe and smooth operation of Metro.

John said: "I've loved every minute of the job. I'm proud to have played my part in the success of the Metro system. As a railwayman, signalling maintenance is my passion. It's in my blood.

"I've worked with some fantastic colleagues. I have been privileged to have a great team behind me and very good managers who have always supported me.