A RAILWAY industry chaplain who supported the families of those injured in the Selby rail tragedy has retired.

John Riley, 65, of Heworth, has tended the spiritual needs of rail workers across the region for more than 26 years and has recently been based at York Station.

Speaking to the Evening Press today he said incidents like the Selby rail crash highlighted the vulnerability of people, even in everyday circumstances.

"The railway industry is a unique industry," he said, "I'll miss the camaraderie and the team work."

A spokesman for GNER, who provided his office at the station, said: "John has been a familiar face for many railway employees and has always been cheerful and helpful.

"He will be sorely missed and on behalf of the railway we would like to wish him a long and happy retirement."

Updated: 09:25 Friday, January 03, 2003