Young volunteers step up to keep Bedfordshire Heritage Line on track for the future
Local youngster Jacob met local MP Alex Mayer at Leighton Buzzard Railway to show how young people are smashing stereotypes and proving that steam trains are not just for retirees.
The 14-year-old railway fan is a member of the Junior Railway Club scheme at the site - one of England's longest and oldest narrow-gauge lines - that launched in the spring, and that is attracting a new generation to keep the heritage railway on track.
Jacob explained to the MP how he has taken part in 100% of the volunteer sessions. He has become a familiar face at events throughout the year, welcoming visitors, supporting the railway’s popular shed tours and keeping younger children entertained.
But his favourite role is getting stuck in behind the scenes. “You’ll often spot Jacob proudly covered in soot after helping clean the locomotives,” said Ian Hale, who organises the Junior Railway Club.
The youth project is really gathering steam. Around 20 young volunteers have now signed up making up close to one in five of the railway’s volunteer team.
Teen railway fan Jacob has been visiting the line since he was six years old. At home, he builds model railways, designs virtual layouts on his computer and visits other steam lines whenever he can.
Ms Mayer heard how he is already counting down to his 16th birthday, when he will be eligible to join the steam team and begin training towards his ambition of becoming a driver.
Alex Mayer MP said: “It’s fantastic to see young people like Jacob stepping up and getting involved. Leighton Buzzard Railway is a living part of our local history, and thanks to volunteers like him, it has a very bright future.”
David Wood, Traffic Manager at Leighton Buzzard Railway, who Ms Mayer met again on the day, said attracting young volunteers was vital. He added: “Seeing youngsters get involved now is absolutely crucial if we want to keep the Railway running for generations to come.”
Ms Mayer added that she was delighted to see her previous call for new volunteers being answered by young people from Leighton Buzzard and surrounding villages.
The Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway welcomes around 10,000 passengers each year. Their Mince Pie Specials will run between 27-29 December with a new programme of events planned for March to October 2026.