The Railway Sheriff: York Ambassador Paul Doughty Takes Pride In Serving Customers And His City

Alongside his part-time role at the travel centre at York Railway Station, Paul also serves as the current Sheriff of York, one of the city’s most historic and ceremonial public offices.

A familiar face to customers and colleagues alike, Paul is an ambassador not only for LNER, but for the city he proudly calls home. Paul has always had a passion for public service and over the past year, his ceremonial role as Sheriff has seen him represent York at civic events, support community initiatives and raise funds for local charities, all while supporting customers with their journeys at the railway station.

Civic dedication comes naturally to Paul, who said:

I’m a proud Yorkshireman and proud of York. It has been a real privilege to serve as Sheriff this past year. From working with community projects to upholding ceremonial traditions such as the rating of the ale, there’s been such variety to the role.

I’ve been fortunate to combine it too with my part-time role in the travel centre at York station, where my colleagues have been so supportive.

Paul’s career in the rail industry has come full circle. His journey began at the age of nineteen with a four-week college placement at York travel centre. That initial experience sparked a long and varied career in a range of roles, including time at the Rail Operating Centre (ROC), before entering semi-retirement.

Of his roles, Paul said:

Helping people, putting them at their ease, and representing the organisation well has always been at the heart of the job and that’s exactly the same approach I take as Sheriff.

Paul is a lifelong York City FC fan, and as a season ticket holder it is a proud moment for him to see his beloved team promoted.

Paul said:

I’m delighted for the Minstermen and for the fans. The team’s hard work has paid off, they are back in the football league where they belong!

Paul will soon be wrapping up his time as Sheriff of York, handing over the baton later this month and he hopes to leave a legacy as the first openly gay Sheriff in the centuries old position.

He added:

To have my partner David as my consort has been an honour of a lifetime.

I’ll miss the role but I’m also looking forward to having more free time, and I’m excited to see the next Sheriff make their mark. I hope to do some travelling, which is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I don’t plan on retiring fully from LNER anytime soon. I imagine I’ll also be spending a fair bit of time following York City around some new stadiums too!