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We're all very familiar with the pre-recorded voice that reminds us to, "mind the gap" every time a train passes through the London Underground, but decades back people were employed to shout it down the length of the platform.

One such person was 61-year-old Minnie Smith, who was said to have "the best shouting voice at Charing Cross" and saved Transport for London from being sued.

On November 19, 1957 a woman called Lilian East slipped during rush hour between the train and the platform edge - a space of about eight inches - injuring her leg, and sued the London Transport Executive (now TfL) for negligence.

When the case went to court Minnie, from Peckham, was a large part of the evidence that TfL wasn't negligent.

She was proof that the company did have someone warning people to mind the gap that she could be heard along the length of the platform - and in fact had "the best shouting voice at Charing Cross".

Thankfully the judge, Mr Justice Veale, was satisfied that Minnie did indeed shout "Mind the Gap" on the occasion that Mrs East slipped, and dismissed the claim.

At the time, she told the Daily Mirror: "I just naturally happen to have a loud voice.

"My husband, who died 13 years ago, used to say he couldn't get a word in against me."

Since then Minnie's story has slipped from memory, only to be found in the Daily Mirror report from the time.

Join the Mind The Gap group We've created a Facebook group for people who travel on London's bus, rail, Underground, Overground and DLR services. We will keep you informed about the latest news that affects your daily commute to work, as well as at the weekend. We'll also let you know in advance if there are any roadworks, railworks or closures you should know about, or if there are any problems on the city's tube network. Join the group here.

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Do you have a story you think we should be covering? Email ellie.mckinnell@reachplc.com