LOCO loving Swindon mayor Steve Wakefield has self-published a book about his father’s career on the railways.

Steve (Con, Toothill and Westlea) wrote the book for his father Ken’s 75th birthday, and pieced it together using diary accounts of his dad’s 44-year career.

“His career took in a very interesting time on the railways because he was working in the years between nationalisation and denationalisation,” said Steve.

“It was also a dangerous time and he lost two friends during his career, including one who was only 20 years old and was scalded to death.

“At that time working on the railways was considered the third most dangerous job you could do – after the Navy and coal mining.”

The book also includes a celebrity endorsement, from music mogul and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman.

Steve said: “Pete has been interested in the railways all his life, so when I saw him at Steam I asked him to have a read of it and write a little something.”

Ken, 75, from The Butts, Westbury, worked for British Rail from 1950 to 1994, first in Wakefield for 22 years and then in Westbury for the final 22 years of his career.

Ken admitted he found it strange to find his memories in book form.

He said: “I can still remember the first day of my internship when I had to start at 12.30am on New Year’s Day.

“It was snowing and I had to cycle 10 miles to work. I came off my bike after the first mile and had to part cycle and push the bike the rest of the way.

“I never thought that story would end up in a book but it has, so it’s funny how things happen.

“I used to keep diaries and Steve used those to write the book.

“Some chaps kept a very keen record of their time on the railways and they also took many photos, but you had to have lots of money to have a camera in those days and I couldn’t afford that.

“I think I’ve been very lucky during the course of my service because some firemen and drivers have been killed on the line.”

The book, entitled Ken Wakefield Locoman 44 Years on the Footplate, is available to buy through Steve’s blog at www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk.