A bridge in Stockport town centre has been named after a local hero who died trying to save lives.

Thomson Street Bridge, which crosses the West Coast Mainline near the Greek Street Roundabout, has been renamed the Driver John Axon Bridge.

It's in honour of John Axon, who in 1957 died while trying to regain control of a runaway train along the Buxton line.

The bridge was officially renamed in a ceremony on 30 September, with rail minister Lord Hendy in attendance, as well as John Axon's grandchild Melanie.

John Axon was born in Stockport in 1900 and had spent his career on the railways.

On 11 February 1957 he was piloting a freight locomotive from Buxton Warrington when the steam brakes failed just short of Dove Holes.

Axon alerted the signalman at Dove Holes, told his fireman Jon Scanlon to apply wagon brakes, and tried to regain control of the train.

By this point it was racing downhill towards Chapel-en-le-Frith South station, until it ran into the back of another freight train.

This impact killed both Axon and Frank Creamer, the guard on the other train. Axon's actions meant a number of lives were saved and he was posthumously awarded the George Cross in May 1957.

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for transport at Stockport Council, said the move was about "honouring one of Stockport's own".

"John Axon's sacrifice is part of our shared heritage, and we hope this will serve as a lasting reminder of courage in the face of an extreme incident", she said.

"It is fitting that people crossing this bridge every day will see his name and remember what he stood for."

Keith Nash-Whitmore, Chairman of the Crewe to Manchester and South East Manchester CRP, added: "It is so rewarding that Stockport Council and Network Rail are honouring a real hero in Driver, John Axon. I know the Axon Family are very proud of this acknowledgement.

"John Axon was of course immortalised by the 1958 BBC Broadcast,' The Ballad of John Axon' written by Ewan MacColl and Stockport celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the broadcast, which brought together the Axon Family with Peggy Segger who was Ewan's partner and produced the broadcast.

"To now have a permanent memorial to John Axon in the town which he loved is such a fitting tribute."

Melanie Axon, John's granddaughter, said: "Our family is deeply honoured that the new bridge will carry our grandfather's name.

"His bravery and selflessness have always been a source of pride and inspiration to us, and it means so much to see his legacy remembered in this way.

"The bridge, which is close to where the family lives to this day, stands as a daily reminder of his courage as and this is incredibly special to us all.

"We are truly grateful that the community continues to celebrate his memory."

Lord Hendy, Rail Minister, said: "It is a real honour for me to be here today to mark John's life.

"For me and my fellow rail workers, John embodies the spirit of service that makes life on the tracks so rewarding.

"So today, we salute one of our own – a true railway hero.

"His name will live in our memories, and in the story of Britain's railway, forever."

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