John Peel to have a train in Merseyside named after him

Noticed this is happening just down the road from us (3pm on Thursday if you can make it) :

The late DJ John Peel is to have a train in Merseyside named after him.

Merseytravel, which co-ordinates passenger transport in Peel's home region, said it was a tribute to "a true broadcasting legend".

Peel's widow Sheila Ravenscroft will attend the naming ceremony and be aboard the train's first journey into Liverpool on Thursday.

This comes two days before the anniversary of the BBC DJ's death, aged 65, on 25 October 2004.

Mrs Ravenscroft said: "We are just really delighted that John is being honoured with this train. He would have loved it."

Peel was Radio 1's longest-serving DJ at the time of his death, having championed new music for nearly 40 years on his late-night Radio 1 show.

Mark Dowd, chairman of Merseytravel, said: "We are very proud of the man John was and of his connection with Merseyside.

"Naming this train in his honour is our tribute to a true broadcasting legend."

Ian Prowse, from the group Amsterdam, will perform at the ceremony what was one of Peel's favourite songs, Does This Train Stop on Merseyside?

Mrs Ravenscroft previously spoke of her husband's love of the song as part of a Radio 1 tribute evening.

She said: "John just loved the song. He always became emotional when he played it.

"He wasn't capable of playing it without crying. If he played it on the radio he'd have to put something on straight afterwards because he wouldn't be able to speak.

"When he played it at home, he'd always need a cuddle afterwards."

The naming ceremony will take place at Liverpool South Parkway Interchange in Garston.

I don't think anyone has a bad word to say about John Peel. Truly great bloke...Everyone knew about his Peel Sessions and all the cool music he played but what really set him apart was how warm and engaging he was on Home Truths on Radio 4. That was the polar opposite of his Radio 1 show and yet you could tell he took just as much joy out of listening to old lady's war memories than debuting a song form a new band.