Tributes have been paid to the founder of Chiltern Railways, who has passed away aged 74.

Adrian Shooter CBE, who started his career with British Rail in 1970, is considered one of the leading architects of the modern railway.

Mr Shooter was a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and of the Chartered Institute of Transport.

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He worked at and led maintenance depots throughout the country, managed London St. Pancras station and held various senior positions within the industry.

He is especially famed as the founder of Chiltern Railways and the Chairman of DB Regio UK, which later became known as Arriva Rail.

In August, a nine-foot bronze statue and plinth of Mr Shooter was unveiled at London Marylebone station.

Oxford Mail: A bronze statue of Mr Shooter was unveiled at Marylebone station this yearA bronze statue of Mr Shooter was unveiled at Marylebone station this year (Image: Chiltern Railway)

Paying tribute to the rail legend, Richard Allan, managing director of Chiltern Railways, said: “We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Adrian Shooter CBE, the founding managing director of Chiltern.

“We and our customers owe him an enormous debt of gratitude for the vision, drive and passion that he and his team brought to bear in creating and developing Chiltern from 1996 onwards.

“Adrian was a leader, a colleague and a friend to many current and former colleagues at Chiltern and in the wider railway industry.

“It was only a few months ago that a group of industry colleagues were delighted to welcome Adrian to Marylebone to commemorate his immense contribution to Chiltern and the rail industry over his 50-year career.

“Adrian and his family unveiled a statue of him on Platform 1 of Marylebone station and he was so very proud to be asked to unveil a train named in his honour.

“The Chiltern train that bears his name is unit 168001 – this was the very first train ordered following privatisation in the UK.

“The thoughts of everyone at Chiltern are with Adrian’s family at this very sad time.”

James West, an amateur rail enthusiast from Bicester, said: "I thought the work he did from the very early days at Chiltern was fantastic - he really did such smashing work on that line.

“If other train operating companies had been managed with the same vision and professionalism as he brought to Chiltern then I believe the British railway network would be very much improved.

“This has really benefited our town - in fact I'd confidently say the modern face of Bicester as a 21st century town wouldn't be the same without him."

North Oxfordshire MP Victoria Prentis said: “Very sad to hear that Adrian has died. “He was absolutely dedicated to the railways and did so much for Chiltern over so many years. Above all, he was a real friend. We will miss him.

“My thoughts are with all his family and his wife Barbara.”

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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