Lifelong train enthusiast Ray Bell, from Alston, has fulfilled a 40 year dream to become an engine driver by joining the volunteer team at South Tynedale Railway and taking passengers along the newly extended line to Slaggyford.
Ray said, "As a four-year-old visiting a railway at Christmas I fell in love with the noise of the engines and that distinct railway smell. I'm now infatuated with this exquisite line, and taking passengers through the beautiful North Pennines countryside is an absolute joy."
It took Ray only a few weeks of practice runs with an experienced driver before she qualified to handle a diesel engine.
She is now a regular driver on the line, the highest and longest 2 foot gauge line in England, and has set her sights on becoming a steam locomotive driver next.
South Tynedale Railway is run by volunteers and a handful of paid staff, and there are a multitude of jobs which the unpaid team members get involved with, from being a Christmas elf to supporting family events and school visits.
Alan Farrar, volunteer liaison officer, said, "If you have a desire to drive, a fervour for firing, an appetite for admin, or a voracity for volunteering in general, then South Tynedale Railway would love to hear from you."
The next volunteer taster day will be held on Thursday, 20 Sep 2018, when there will be opportunities to look round the site, chat with staff and volunteers, and find out more about getting involved.
Booking for the taster day should be done through the website.
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