MUSIC mogul and former Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman had a behind-the-scenes tour of Birkenhead Central train station.

The record producer, who is known for launching the careers of the likes of Kylie and Rick Astley, visited Merseyside on Friday, May 3 to tour the Merseyrail network as part of his new role as president of the Railway Benefit Fund (RBF).

Keen railway enthusiast Pete met railway employees and passengers while visiting train stations across the network including Birkenhead Central, Liverpool Central, Lime Street and Sandhills - where he record a station announcement.

Speaking of his trip to Merseyside, Runcorn-based Pete said: “I love railways but I’ve never done anything like this before. I didn’t realise just how amazing is.

“Merseyrail is amazing - I’ve had a fantastic day and really appreciate how different this network is to anything else.

“Overall I just wanted to meet the staff and tell them about the great work that the RBF does, caring for people with a multitude of problems from money and health, to bereavement and family.

"We’re a friend and are always in the background to help our colleagues.”

In his role as president of the RBF he has embarked on a 'Meet Pete' tour promoting the charity's work of supporting railway employees and their families.

Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail told the Globe: “It was a pleasure to welcome Pete to our network last week.

“His passion for the rail industry and the work he’s doing with the RBF shone through during his visit and it was great for our staff to hear first-hand how the charity can support them in many areas of their lives.

"Pete is welcome to visit us at Merseyrail anytime.”