Avanti West Coast's Crewe station hosts event to honour Pete Waterman

• Train named in honour of record producer and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman
• The 'surprise' event took place at Avanti West Coast's Crewe station
• Renown music produce overwhelmed and totally unaware prior to the unveiling

Avanti West Coast has hosted an event which saw a Freightliner locomotive named after record producer and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman in recognition of his contribution to the railway industry.

The loco naming, which took place at Avanti West Coast's Crewe Station, was arranged as a collaborative celebration by the Railway Benefit Fund Charity, Avanti West Coast and Freightliner, where Pete was awarded the naming with a presentation from Tim Shoveller, CEO Freightliner Group.

In the last five years Pete has held the role as president of the Railway Benefit Fund, a charity which provides support to current, former, and retired UK railway people and their families.

In his time as in the role, Pete has raised donations of almost £2 million which goes towards sustaining the charity as well as providing much needed support to railway people and their families. In the region of 3,000 grants have been awarded, with over one-third of these grants specifically supporting the children of these families.

Andy Mellors, Managing Director for Avanti West Coast, said: “Pete is a passionate advocate for the railways and its people, so we’re incredibly privileged to have hosted the naming ceremony at Crewe station in his honour. It’s a fitting tribute to one of the railway’s biggest supporters, someone who always goes out of his way to help others and promote all that is good about the industry.”

Jo Kaye, CEO, from the Railway Benefit Fund, said: “Pete is a well-known railway devotee who passionately champions the railway industry and its workforce.  He has been instrumental in making our fundraising events a success, always finding the time to engage with railway workers nationwide, actively supporting and promoting all range of media and hospitality events.  This loco naming is a true acknowledgement of his contribution and a huge thank you from the charity and all the families we have been able to support as a result of his great work.”

Tim Shoveller, CEO Freightliner Group, said: “I have known Pete throughout my railway career, he is a true railway supporter, always happy to give up his time and contribute to the benefit of the railways.  His passion and love for the industry, people and even the model form is clear to see.  In April this year, Pete and his Railnuts team set a Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest Portable Model Railway’, with an overall and official track length of 690.4 metres (2279 feet). It really is a pleasure and honour to be naming a Freightliner Locomotive in Pete’s name.”

Pete was formally recognised for his work in the music industry for which he was awarded an OBE in the 2005 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Loving the experience of travelling on trains, he wrote his first lyrics sat on Rugby station, which gave him his inspiration and his first job at age 14 was working for the British Railway.  He continues to hold the role as Charity President for the Railway Benefit Fund and give up his time to raise awareness and benefit for the charity, the railway people and families it supports.