Mick Ingledew, 65, is an LNER train driver and has been on the railway for 46 years.

Today, he completes his last journey before retirement after driving millions of miles over the years.

Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, he joined British Rail as a traction trainee in 1979. He previously worked for the council, where a friend suggested he should apply for a job on the railway.

He began his driving career driving a ‘Deltic’ locomotive, which is one of his favourites. He now ends his train-driving journey in one of LNER’s Azuma trains.

Mick was able to drive the entire LNER route; this rare knowledge allowed him to explore all of the line, including diversion routes.

His daughter, Lisa and son, David, joined him on his return trip from Newcastle to London King’s Cross at 08:58. He will be returning home on the 14:30 from London to Tyneside.

“The start of my career was very exciting, working on the powerful Deltics and working with fantastic,
experienced drivers. I then spent some time in the freight industry, driving in Tyne Yard, which was pure
passion for me, before taking the step into Driver Management in 1989. I returned back to being a driver
around 10 years ago and I was welcomed back with open arms.

“The book ends of my career have been real highlights for me. In the ‘90s, GNER was a fantastic
company to work for in the new era of privitisation, and I have loved working for LNER most recently.
The people are wonderful – we are one big family – and I have the best view, out of anyone, from my
office window. It’s been a brilliant career, and I would do it all again.”

Mick Ingledew