KEEPING Machynlleth train station running smoothly for Arriva Trains Wales customers is a family affair for one local father and son who have clocked up 30 years of experience between them.

Dad Elwyn Jones, 65, and 41-year-old son Ryan both work as duty station managers, taking it in turns to staff the ticket office, assist the passengers and oversee the operations – with Ryan literally following in his father’s footsteps on days when he works the next shift.

The pair have been working together keeping everything ‘on track’ since 2005 when Ryan joined Arriva after hearing how much his father enjoyed working at the station.

Elwyn said: “I spent 25 years in The Royal Navy working away and then had a job in a shop, a café and doing a few other things, before realising that I needed something with more security that was close to home and my family.

“It’s in my nature to help people and give them a hand saving a bit of money if I can, which is why the job at the station appealed because I like the customer service side of the role.

“I’ve been there for 18 years now, but don’t have any plans to retire and hand over to Ryan just yet. The advantage of being in a team with my son is knowing that I can rely on him to keep things ticking over when I finish my shift."

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