The last Brighton Belle train in service left London Victoria at 10.30 pm on the evening of 30 April, 1972. At the controls was driver Don Hitchings.

The 5BEL Trust was delighted to be able to re-unite Don with his cab recently and the event was broadcast as a major news piece by BBC News. It was clearly an emotional moment for Don, now a very fit 74 year old. His first and last question - "When can I drive her again?"

Click on the image to see a picture of Don Hitchings back in the cab again.