IF you want to catch the last Hell Train, then Friday's 16.30 service from London to York fits that description perfectly.

As my disabled colleague Graham and I squeezed past numerous standing passengers it was becoming obvious that this train was packed. Sardines have a more cushy life.

Ironically the three First Class compartments that we had previously walked through, were virtually empty.

Graham's artificial leg began to cause him considerable pain and therefore we squatted in the only vacant place, the aisle. An unsympathetic guard ordered us to move as we were causing an obstruction.

When I explained that there was nowhere to go and that my friend was in pain from his artificial leg, the guard airily declared that "there was one or two seats available", and disappeared.

I was livid. What further annoyed me was that there were one or two vacant seats but these were reserved. How were we to know if they would be claimed at the next stop?

In view of the railway strikes taking place across the country, perhaps rail guards need a lesson in care and etiquette. Or are they only fit for clipping tickets and dispensing chocolate bars?

Phil Shepherdson,

Chantry Close,

Woodthorpe, York.

Updated: 10:28 Thursday, April 03, 2003