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Railway station celebrates 50th birthday

George King/BBC Dignitaries and railway staff standing in front of a table which has food on it. They are inside the station building. There are 11 people posing for the photo, including c2c staff, Conservative MP Richard Holden and two police officersGeorge King/BBC
Basildon railway station's 50th anniversary was commemorated with pie and mash, cupcakes and a rendition of happy birthday

A railway station that connects the Essex estuary with the capital has celebrated its 50th birthday.

Basildon station, which is on the c2c line connecting London Fenchurch Street and Southend-on-Sea, welcomed its first passengers on 25 November 1974.

It commemorated its 50th birthday with a party attended by council dignitaries, charities and businesses.

Abu Siddeeq, c2c's customer experience director, said the station helped bring together "diverse and rich communities".

“Basildon is iconic and known all over the country for its personality, importance to our wider economy and wonderful people,” added Mr Siddeeq.

George King/BBC A man with short black hair and some facial hair wearing a suit standing in front of a pink ticket machineGeorge King/BBC
Abu Siddeeq, c2c’s customer experience director, said it was important to celebrate the station's history

During the half-century bash, guests enjoyed a pie and mash lunch and cupcakes from local suppliers, and sang a rendition of happy birthday for commuters.

The station facilitates more than 1,000 c2c departures every week and in the year to March, just under 2.5 million passengers passed through its turnstiles.

Victoria Joseph, the deputy mayor of Basildon, said: "The station is far more than just a transport hub, it is also a symbol of connection, growth and opportunity."

George King/BBC A black woman standing in front of a glass door smiling. She is wearing a black coat and a white beaded neckless. Behind her is the transparent automatic sliding doors of the stationGeorge King/BBC
Deputy mayor of Basildon Victoria Joseph said the town's station was more than just a transport hub

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