Two long-serving volunteers at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway have officially qualified as Steam Locomotive Drivers after more than a decade of experience.

Matthew Carty, 27, from Chester, and Tim Hines, 27, from Llangollen, achieved the qualification over the Bank Holiday weekend following extensive assessments and hands-on training at the railway’s Motive Power Depot in Llangollen.

Both began volunteering at the heritage railway aged 17 and have progressed steadily through the ranks over the past 10 years, taking on key leadership and operational responsibilities. Their final assessments were overseen by senior driver Dave Owen, a former railway boss and one of the UK’s most experienced steam locomotive drivers, alongside nationally recognised rail engineer Andy Maxwell, a leading figure within the depot team.

The achievement comes as the railway sees a growth in passenger numbers and volunteer interest along its 10-mile Dee Valley route between Llangollen and Corwen.

“This is something I’ve worked towards for ten years and it still hasn’t quite sunk in. The railway has become a huge part of my life and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way. There is such a depth of knowledge within the Motive Power Depot and the support from the whole team has been unbelievable.”

Matthew Carty

“To qualify as a steam locomotive driver on the railway I grew up volunteering on is incredibly special. We are very lucky at Llangollen to have decades of experience amongst our volunteers, and everyone is always willing to pass on their knowledge and skills. I’d like to thank everybody who has supported us over the years.”

Tim Hines