Would you be a good Mirfield ambassador?

A DRIVER caught with cannabis in his car said he smoked eight joints a day to cope with caring for his mother.

Adil Mahmood was driving along Dale Lane in Heckmondwike at 3pm on May 15 when he caught the attention of police.

Prosecutor Vanessa Jones told Kirklees magistrates that when the officers went to speak with the 26-year-old he appeared furtive and they could smell cannabis coming from the Vauxhall Astra.

They searched the vehicle and found 13 small polythene bags containing cannabis stashed over the driver’s seat.

Mahmood, of Lascelles Road in Heckmondwike, pleaded guilty to possession of the Class B drug.

He said that it was for his use and he smoked eight joints a day.

Andy Day, mitigating, explained that his client is the sole carer for his mother and uses cannabis as a crutch. He told magistrates: “He finds looking after his mother stressful and unwisely he falls back on cannabis as a way of winding down to relieve that stress.

Magistrates fined Mahmood £80 and told him to pay £85 court costs plus £30 victim surcharge. questions and assisting where possible.

Said David: “If things are going to go wrong they go wrong on a Sunday – but that also happens to be a big leisure travel day so we’re on hand to make sure everyone feels looked after.”

The ambassadors also help people coming to the station to get the best from the town. “We get people coming from London needing to be pointed in the right direction,” said David. “It’s about being able to enhance the travel experience both ways. On one occasion a couple of us rushed down because there had been a cancellation. There were around 10 people waiting on the platform quite miffed, but by the time they left they were smiling and waving.”

Paul Stevenson, Grand Central’s ambassador co-ordinator, said: “Volunteering on the railway gives our ambassadors a sense of belonging both to the company and the locality. They are doing something towards a green agenda, encouraging rail travel and because GC’s reputation is good they can take pride in being part of an industry leader.”

Sean English, chief operating officer, said local business owners had got involved in the scheme because having a direct rail link to London gave them a platform to promote their town and the region.

He said it was hoped that the same enthusiasm and passion could be replicated in Mirfield.

To volunteer at Mirfield station, please contact admin@grandcentral rail.com