BIRTHDAY cake did the rounds at Colchester North train station as it marked its 175th year in operation.

Staff, station adopters, and representatives of the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership all had a part in cutting the cake.

For Colchester's High Steward, Sir Bob Russell, who for almost the past 50 years has lived less than a mile away from the station, being invited to the occasion was the icing on the cake.

He said: “Colchester station today looks nothing like it was when the line from London arrived 175 years ago and the tracks terminated...Overnight, in 1843 Colchester people went from relying on coach and horses for travel to London to a railway service which was cheaper, quicker and more comfortable than the stage coach.

"The town’s future and prosperity were transformed.

“Although complaining about the railways is a national pastime, the reality is that for 175 years the railway has been a great asset for Colchester and its residents.

"With future investment, there's an even brighter future. The cake-cutting commemoration pays tribute to the railway pioneers of 19th century Britain.”

Greater Anglia’s community partnerships manager, Paul Haynes, added: “We're grateful to the Community Rail Partnership and Sir Bob Russell for marking the anniversary of this station, which from its Victorian beginnings, has seen many changes and improvements.

"Now it's a thriving, vital transport hub, connecting Colchester to London and the rest of the region with fast, frequent train services.”