Weardale Railway is now home to the youngest qualified train driver in the UK.

Logan Smallwood, aged 18 from Lanchester, recently earned his certification to operate a Sentinel shunter on the railway.

He completed his first operational solo shift on the railway, a childhood dream come true.

Logan has also recently graduated from his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering Technologies from Newcastle College Rail Academy with a distinction.

He has gained knowledge in track infrastructure, mechanical engineering and signalling systems, and hopes to move his skills to the mainline, once the minimum licence age drops later this year.

He hopes to continue working on heritage lines and expand out onto modern networks.

“I’ve wanted to drive trains for as long as I can remember. To now be doing it at 18 is something I’m really proud of. I’ve had brilliant support from my tutors, the team at Weardale Railway, and my family. It’s been hard work but it’s worth it – I’d love to help others find the same path.”

Logan Smallwood