Oliver Kirkby from Harrogate has passed his driver training on his 21st birthday, making him the youngest driver at Wensleydale Railway.

He completed his train driver training on the heritage railway at the beginning of June, which coincided with his birthday.

Oliver is now a qualified driver for the railway’s Class 142 and Class 143 diesel multiple unit passenger trains.

He began working for the railway as a guard in 2023 and progressed into a signaller and an operations administrator. He also assists with the maintenance of rolling stock and started his driver training in 2024.

He currently studies computer science at York St John University and joins long-term volunteer Sue Threadgold as a qualified driver. Sue became the first female driver at the railway and was the first female train guard in 2018.

“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!”

Oliver Kirkby