AND modelling the latest uniform for front line staff at East Midlands Trains are… Victor Cox and Julie Bamford.

The two members of staff swapped their usual jobs to show the world the elegant new navy blue outfits. They have replaced the green version worn by staff in the former National Express-owned Midland Mainline company, which was superseded by Stagecoach-owned East Mid-lands trains in November 2006.

All staff were due to be sporting their new uniforms by 8 September, following many months of behind the scenes planning, which included incorporating design ideas put forward by staff themselves.

Julie Smith, a travel advisor at Nottingham station, was involved in the style process and also visited the corporate clothing company Incorporatewear to see the new uniforms being made.

Feedback from staff representatives led to the first batch of uniforms being dev-eloped for ‘wearer trials’, with members of staff testing the uniform for comfort, practicality and style.

Sample uniforms were then issued to establish individual sizes before the final order was placed for around 38,000 garments, which included shirts, blouses, waistcoats, skirts, trousers, jackets, coats, ties and scarves.

The uniform, which has red piping, is made from high quality fabric to ensure that it wears well.

Jake Kelly, customer services director for EMT, said that the new uniform had to satisfy several criteria, such as being professional and smart but also comfortable and practical, and styled to reflect the new brand.

“We believe our new uniform ticks all the boxes and will help passengers to easily identify our staff at stations and on trains.”

As an added bonus, people in communities throughout the world will also be helped as a result of the new uniforms being introduced.

EMT trains is working with a Wolverhampton-based company to recycle or reuse as many of the old-style uniforms as possible.