Stafford Station Dog Gets His Own Uniform From Virgin Trains

Jake has been hanging around Stafford Station for so long that he is practically as much a part of the furniture as the tracks, the seats and the brickwork.

Is he a trainspotter, you may be thinking? A regular passenger? Nope - he's a 14-year-old rescue dog, and he's become so popular with station staff that he's now been given his own uniform by Virgin Trains.

Credit: Virgin Trains

The Collie-German Shepherd was rescued by his owner, Neil McNamara, when he was just two, and visits the West Midlands station every day.

Trainspotters may not be uncommon at many stations across the UK, indeed across the globe, by Jake surely has to be a rare breed of trainspotting dogs.

Previously mistreated by his initial owners, Jake now wags his tail in excitement and can even sense trains before they even approach the station.

Neil, however, noticed that there was one train in particular Jake had a liking for. A Virgin train.

So, when Virgin Trains launched their new uniform, of course Jake was going to be made an additional member of staff.

Virgin Trains posted a video on Twitter of Jake, as a Pendolino train approached, and his eagerness can clearly be seen, alongside his signature bark.

And just look at his face when he got to don his uniform.

Credit: Virgin Trains

Neil said: "Jake's always had a love and fascination for Virgin's trains, he doesn't bark for any other! His daily trip to the station is a real highlight for him.

"Over nine years he's become a mascot for the regular passengers and we're excited for him to show off his special uniform."

The new uniform, designed by HemingwayDesign, may have 10 different combinations so that Virgin staff can show off their individuality and creativity, Jake's own uniform is truly unique.

Wayne and Geraldine Hemingway (both MBEs), who created the design, said: "The wide range lets Virgin Trains staff choose what they feel comfortable in and we hope they all wear their uniforms proudly, including trainspotting dog Jake, who is sure to turn some heads in his stylish piece."

Credit: Virgin Trains

The thoughtfulness of the Richard Branson's company doesn't stop their either. The old uniforms are set to be recycled at HMP Northumberland where ex-offenders will turn the old textiles into blankets and coats for charities.

The Albert Kennedy Trust - a homeless charity which works with LGBTQ individuals in crisis - and Rethink Mental Illness will both benefit from the donations.

Jake may only reside at one station, but his loyalty and dedication are unquestionable.

Michael Minay

Mike Minay is a trending journalist at LADbible. He’s co-ordinated interviews with some of the big names from the world of news and sport including ITV’s Robert Peston, Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling and darts champion Michael van Gerwen. His reporting days began on University radio in Birmingham, before moving to BBC Sport Online – creating content for large events such as Wimbledon and the FA Cup final. Mike still commentates on Football League matches at the weekend. A Manchester LAD at heart.

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