17
Jun
Harrogate man becomes youngest train driver at Wensleydale Railway
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A Harrogate man has become the youngest train driver at Wensleydale Railway.
Oliver Kirkby, 21, celebrated his birthday by passing his train driver training on the same day.
Mr Kirkby, who is studying computer science at York St John University, is now qualified to drive the heritage railway’s class 142 and class 143 diesel multiple unit passenger trains.
He said:
I love railways and to celebrate my 21st birthday by becoming a train driver is a dream come true. I really appreciate all the support and encouragement that I have received from my railway colleagues to make this possible. My family celebrations included a delicious lemon cake from Bettys of Harrogate, so I’ve had the perfect birthday.
Mr Kirkby started working at the railway in 2023 as guard and progressed to become a signaller and an operations administrator. He also assists with rolling stock maintenance and started his driver training in 2024.
He joins fellow Harrogate resident and long-term volunteer Sue Threadgold who became a qualified driver in 2023. Sue is Wensleydale Railway’s first female train driver, and she became the railway’s first female train guard in 2018.
Mr Kirkby also follows in the footsteps of colleague George Stephens from Darlington, who passed his driver training in April this year. George was also 21 years old when he qualified as a driver.
Robert Cooper-Williamson, engineering and operations manager at Wensleydale Railway, said:
It’s very important that we develop the younger generation and ensure that they have the skills needed to help keep the heritage railway sector going into the future. It’s great to see Oliver’s hard work and determination pay off, and what an incredible achievement to become a qualified driver on his 21st birthday.
I’m very proud of him, and his colleague George, both of whom are only 21 years old and have made excellent progress at our railway.
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