He has sold papers and chocolate to the likes of Seb Coe, Art Malik and John Altman, not to mention the thousands of commuters who set off to work every day from Surbiton station.

But now newsagent John Greig is stepping outside his kiosk - and on to the platform.

Mr Greig, who has run the kiosk on platform one at Surbiton for more than six years, has taken a job with South West Trains.

He will take over as a platform supervisor at Effingham Junction, but not before completing two weeks of training at Surbiton.

He said: "I like what I do - I have some really good customers, some lovely customers. It's sad really.

"The rent here goes up every three years and it's due to go up next year, and that's me maxed out.

"I want to thank all my customers for all their custom.

"If they want to buy a bar fridge, let me know."

He said he serves about 500 people a day at Surbiton, as well as the occasional celebrity.

Surrey Comet:

John Greig serves customer Sue Ley

Before taking over the kiosk he worked at the newsagent's outside the station, now known as Taylor News, for some 11 years.

He added: "Some of them play football for me and I play against some of them, so it's good fun.

"There's plenty of conversation - a nice mix.

"But customers are slowly going. A lot of them go on their apps - you can't keep up.

"Paper is a kind of dying industry."

Mr Grieg has seen the number of people using Surbiton station swell over the years.

Now he believes the kiosk will be removed after he leaves, to ease overcrowding on the platforms.

On Monday, when a trespasser at Clapham Junction caused huge delays for commuters, the platform was so packed he was trapped in his kiosk, he said.

Now Mr Greig, 47, from Sutton, said he is looking forward to his new job - the hours are good and he will still be able to make the school run.

"South West Trains have been really good with me", he said.

His last day will be Friday, November 28.

Surbiton station manager Bill Brittian said: "He seems to have built up his own little following over the years.

"He's a very friendly, helpful guy and he also helps give out information to the customers, particularly when we've got disruption going on."