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Many of us would have used London's tram network at some point in our lives over the years.

It's a very easy and convenient way of getting around parts of South London , most notably Croydon .

But have you ever wondered whose voice greets you as you get on a service? And whose voice reminds you to get off at your intended stop?

If you didn't know already, it's BBC newsreader Nicholas Owen.

The 72-year-old's voice is heard on the network thousands of times a day after he was chosen as the man who would announce trams' arrivals at most of the 39 stations across the whole system.

He was asked to be the voice of the tram network by Transport for London (TfL) more than 10 years ago, which he was delighted to agree to.

Speaking to the Croydon Advertiser in 2012, the broadcaster, who lives in Reigate, said: "Recording took quite a while. I kept talking too fast and had to keep re-recording it so I was talking a lot slower.

"They explained to me that, for many using the tram network, English may not be their first language.

"In fact, it has been a running joke with some of my friends who ask why I am talking so slowly."

(Image: David Cook)

Despite the veteran news anchor's voice being heard all around the borough, one station you cannot hear his voice at is Centrale, which was added to the tram network in 2005, after Mr Owen had finished recording.

Part of the reason why he accepted the role was because of his love of trams and trains, which started when he was just five-years-old.

"I have always been interested in trains, ever since I was a very small boy," he said.

"So when they asked me if I would be the voice of the trams I was delighted. I said yes almost immediately."

Mr Owen said he could remember the exact time when his tram fascination started.

He said: "I was five years old and I was on one of the old-style trams which were around years ago. It was 1951.

"I was with my mother and we were travelling through South Croydon, and I was just infatuated with how they worked."

When it was announced trams were to return at the turn of the 21st century, Mr Owen could hardly contain his excitement.

"When it was announced the trams were returning I was incredibly surprised and excited," he said.

"Before any of the tramline work started, I remember walking along where some of the routes were planned for with my friends, wondering how it was all going to work."

The tram network will celebrate its twentieth birthday in 2020, and there have been calls in the recent past for an audio refresh on London's trams.

Whether Mr Owen is asked to do the role again remains to be seen, and most likely depends on whether TfL and commuters fancy a change.

Maybe an iconic voice such as Rob Brydon's will fit the bill, or maybe someone closer to home such as Stormzy will be prepared.

Whatever happens, Mr Owen is the current voice of London's tram network and it seems it will stay that way for the short term future at the very least.