(Image: Josh Parker/Hopetown Darlington)
Hopetown Darlington is celebrating the success of a teenage team member who has joined the support crew of one of Britain's most famous steam locomotives.
Holly Cuthbert, 19, has secured a place on the crew of 60163 Tornado, a modern-built steam engine constructed by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.
Ms Cuthbert's achievement is the latest step in her growing involvement in railway heritage.
Holly in the cab of Tornado (Image: Josh Parker/Hopetown Darlington)
Her journey began through the Young Producer programme, part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded Stockton & Darlington Railway 26 Mile Heritage Project, before she joined the Welcome Team at Hopetown Darlington.
Ms Cuthbert said: "I saw Tornado in York Station and completely fell in love with it.
"I was fascinated by the locomotive and wanted to learn more about how these incredible engines operate."
Her interest in railways first developed during her college studies, but seeing Tornado in person fuelled a lasting passion.
Holly alongside 60163 Tornado (Image: Lauren McPoland/Hopetown Darlington)
Determined to get involved, she began volunteering with The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the organisation behind Tornado’s construction and ongoing operation.
Through training and volunteering in her own time, Ms Cuthbert gained the experience needed to safely work around rail vehicles, including training on working at height and other essential safety procedures.
She has since progressed to become part of Tornado’s support crew.
Graeme Bunker-James, trustee and commercial director at The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, said: "Holly’s achievement symbolises the strong partnership between the Trust and Hopetown.
"It is pleasing to see people from all backgrounds becoming involved in railway preservation, and Holly's story shows what can be achieved through enthusiasm, hard work and dedication.
"It is especially pleasing that she is a local volunteer joining the team."
Ms Cuthbert officially joined the Tornado team on September 27, a date that coincided with the 201st anniversary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
She took her place on the Hopetown Heritage Railway, marking a major milestone in her personal and professional development.
Councillor Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services at Darlington Borough Council, said: "As we continue to celebrate Darlington's railway heritage, it is wonderful to see young people like Holly playing an active role in shaping its future.
"She is a credit to Hopetown, to the wider railway community and to Darlington, and I hope her story encourages other young people, especially young women, to explore the exciting opportunities available within the heritage, engineering and rail sectors."
Her story is a powerful example of how cultural and heritage projects can inspire young people and open doors to volunteering, skills development, and careers in the railway and heritage sectors.
Jessica Woodley, youth engagement officer at the Stockton & Darlington Railway 26 Miles Project, said: "Holly joined S&DR Young Producers as a young trainspotter with a keen interest in heritage.
"She brought her passion and expertise to the Young Producers ‘Beyond the Tracks’ exhibition and became a main presenter of the group’s social media series.
"I’m so proud to see her continue her passion for heritage rail with such a fantastic achievement."
Ms Cuthbert’s involvement also reflects the growing presence of women and young people in the heritage railway sector, highlighting the opportunities available to the next generation of engineers, enthusiasts, and heritage professionals.
She has moved from shaping activities as a Young Producer, to welcoming visitors at Hopetown, to now supporting the operation of one of Britain’s most iconic steam locomotives.
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Her progress serves as an inspiration for others considering careers in heritage and engineering.
Ms Cuthbert’s story also underscores the value of community heritage projects in nurturing talent and enthusiasm among young people.
As Hopetown continues to celebrate stories from the past, it is clear that the future of railway heritage is in good hands.