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Graham, based at Middlesbrough station, did his in rhyme - and he’s been doing it ever since.
And as we join him on the 10.21 Middlesbrough to Saltburn service, he says the positive reaction from passengers makes it all worthwhile.
“The poems aren’t that clever really. They’re not Wordsworth, they’re just simple rhyming couplets, but it’s all a bit of fun.
“I was a bit self-conscious to start with but I’ve got more confident now, especially when I see the smiles on people’s faces.
“I don’t do them for every announcement and I try to mix them up a bit. For our regular passengers, it’s probably a little bit repetitive but then again, so are safety announcements! And at least people are listening rather than just switching off.”
Take, for example, “Next stop Redcar Central, sun sea and sand,
Take all your belongings, that would be grand.”
And with The Gazette in mind: “We have some guests on board from the local paper,
So please, please, please, be on your best behaviour!”
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Examples of Graham’s poetry:
At the start of the journey.....
I’m Graham your conductor and welcome on track
Safety information’s at front and back
Keep all your personal belongings in view
As you don’t want anything missing, do you?
Have your tickets and passes ready to see
And if you have neither, you’ll have to pay me
If you’re buying a ticket, please have the right money
Cos my tea’s going cold and it’s simply not funny
And at the end of the journey......
Thank you for travelling on Northern with Graham
Please use the handrails when you step from the train
If you’re making connections, consult platform screens
Or ask station staff if there’s any to be seen
Keep your tickets and passes to exit the gate
Cos any delay and you’ll be in late
Tell Northern Rail Twitter how it was for you
Cos we value your feedback, yes we really do!