Slam-door trains make a final stop

At bridges and crossings along the line, hundreds of other railway enthusiasts clamoured to catch a final glimpse of a piece of history heading for the end of the line.

By November 30, no railway operator, except heritage lines such as the Bluebell Railway, will be allowed by law to run slam-door trains, many of which have been in use since the early 1960s.

Tickets for the final journey, which took the train to London and back via East Grinstead, Littlehampton, Brighton and Newhaven, were sold to eager enthusiasts.

Southern still have three slam-door trains running, but these will come to a final halt on November 30.

Tony has held various jobs during his career on the railways, from engine cleaner to conductor.

He said: "I can remember seeing these trains when they were brand new. Now I'm seeing them at the end of their lifetime, as they are being scrapped.

"I spent a large part of my life riding about on them, so I have a bit of an affinity with this model. Like anything, it will be a bit sad to see the last one go, but times move on and I suppose the new ones are more comfortable."