A new generation of steam locomotive enthusiasts rolled up their sleeves to clean engines and other dirty jobs.
As volunteers prepared to get stuck in at the Great Western Society's Didcot Railway Centre become older, Christopher Awdry - son of Thomas the Tank Engine's creator, the late Rev Wilbert Awdry - thought it would be a good idea to call on the help of young people. His Young Volunteers' Programme saw 15 youngsters aged 11 to 18 helping out during the week.
The young people were also given "hands-on" experience on the footplate, and at least two volunteers said afterwards that they now want to train as locomotive firemen and eventually become drivers.
**Picture: Jon Lewis
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article