In the past 65 years, the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway hasn’t had a set of brothers operating a service train until now!

David Yates, 24, operated as a guard and brother Stuart, 33, operated as a driver for the length of the line on the 14th June. This is the very first time that the railway has witnessed this in its history.

David qualified as a guard a few weeks ago, inspired by the likes of the Ffestiniog Railway and the Severn Valley Railway.

Railways are in the family, and he is trying to inspire his son through his railway volunteering.

Stuart has been a volunteer at the railway for just over a year and is already a qualified guard, and has followed with his diesel driver qualification. Recently, he was also elected as a trustee of the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway Historic Vehicles Trust.

David and Stuart are very ambitious about the railway and what they can do. Stuart wishes to qualify as a fireman on the steam locomotives, and David wishes to train as a diesel driver and then onto steam.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the railway can pop into the railway or visit their website.

“Many heritage railways struggle to attract younger people to work on their lines but we are fortunate that we are developing a dedicated group of younger volunteers who come to work on maintenance and restoration projects through the often bleak Winter and Spring weather and then actively help to operate our Summer Services. It gives me great confidence for our future and we will welcome others to join us – however, you must be 18 to comply with insurance and with safety regulations”.

Richard Shepherd, Chairman of the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway Historic Vehicles Trust