Mind the gap!

     

      It is the three word instruction that is as much a part of London's identity the world over as black cabs, red buses and Big Ben.

      Yet after 40 years, one of the original "mind the gap" recorded announcements is returning to one station – so the widow of the man behind the polite but firm piece of advice received by millions of passengers can hear it once again.

      Transport for London said that it was approached by the widow of Oswald Laurence to see whether she could get a copy of the announcement that Laurence had recorded in the late 60s.

      Nigel Holness, London Underground's director, said: "We were very touched by her story, so staff tracked down the recording and not only were they able to get a copy of the announcement on CD for her to keep but are also working to restore the announcement at Embankment station."

      The recording of Laurence, an actor, had been phased out as PA systems were upgraded over the years until the northbound platform on the Northern line at Embankment station was the only place it could be heard.

      Several recordings of the phrase, along with another line, "stand clear of the doors please" have been used by London Underground over the years. One of the more recent voices used was Emma Clarke's, who became embroiled in controversy in 2007 after appearing to criticise the Tube in a newspaper interview.

      A spoof announcement on her website (currently offline) said: "We would like to remind our American tourist friends that you are almost certainly talking too loudly."