A Canvey football fan is to have a train named after him on the London Underground.

"Mad Al" Jenkins, who died in his sleep, was a stalwart fan of Canvey Football Club but his other main passion was trains.

The machine operator had worked for London Underground for 34 years and was still employed at the time of his death.

Now his grateful bosses are to name one of the engineer trains, The Alan Jenkins, in his memory.

Engineer trains travel along the tracks after the underground has closed for the night, maintaining them and ensuring they are kept safe.

Alan operated these night-time machines and underground chiefs thought the special train would be the most appropriate memorial to the loyal employee.

Simon Constable, sales and contracts manager at the firm, said: "Alan was a larger than life character and a model employee.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him but we feel naming the train after him is a fitting way to remember him by.

"His two passions in life were his trains and Canvey football club and I think he will be looking down and smiling when we name the train.

"I think he would have liked the idea." Underground bosses are planning a special naming ceremony next week, when the new train will be officially named.

Alan plastered his Link Road home with posters, banners and pictures of Canvey's football stars.

Club secretary Frances Roche said: "No one was more passionate about Canvey football club than Al and he will be sorely missed by everyone down here at Park Lane."

A minute's silence will be held in tribute to Alan before Canvey's first pre-season build up game on Saturday when Dr Martens League Crawley Town come to the island.

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