A station master whose award-winning work has helped put a Fife village on the map has retired.
Trevor Francis, 69, made Aberdour’s railway station among the best known in Scotland with his impressive floral displays and gardening skills.
His service to the community won him a plaudit from the Queen when he was made an MBE two years ago and as he retired after 20 years, villagers paid tribute to his tireless endeavours at a reception in St Fillan’s Church Hall.
Aberdour Residents’ Association chairman David Scott said: “Trevor is an incredible character. Over the years he has gone above and beyond the call of duty, looking after the station grounds and making the place look beautiful.
“He has bent over backwards working out the best routes for people to travel and has been known to take tickets to people’s houses and pick up visitors from Kirkcaldy.
“He is an outstanding example of all that’s best in a community.”
Aberdour is a past holder of the best station garden award and the station has helped win the best kept village title.
Mr Scott said: “Very often when I tell people I live in Aberdour they know it because of the station.”
Trevor was presented with a gift by Mirren Steven, 14.
Mirren, a pupil of St George’s School for Girls, in Edinburgh, said: “Trevor has kept an eye on the younger commuters travelling to school, like me, for many years and made sure they go to and from school as safely as possible.”
Trevor, who recently moved to Aberdour from Burntisland with wife Rosemary, said he had been greatly blessed to be welcomed into the community.
He said: “I am deeply indebted to the people of Aberdour in ways I never expected when I came here 20 years ago. I just came to do my job to the best of my ability.
“It’s in my nature to help people and if you have to go the second mile you do and sometimes and the third and fourth mile.
“It’s what the village is all about, caring for one another, helping one another and sometimes having a good night.”