AS MUCH as the rail service system can be criticised, there is no doubt that the majority of its staff are diamonds.

Every day they have to deal with frazzled passengers, delays and crowded trains.

And so often they do it with a smile, efficiency and humour, becoming regular friendly fixtures in our day-to-lives.

A little bit of positivity in the hectic mass of commuting, those rail staff on the ground deserve our thanks and respect.

That is why it is no surprise how many people came out to Oxford station to honour well-loved gateline manager Steve Cross.

Our condolences go out to Mr Cross’s family, friends, work colleagues and all those passengers whose days were made a little brighter by him.