Wensleydale Railway welcomes its first female train driver

Sue Threadgold, of Harrogate, in North Yorkshire, has been a dedicated volunteer at Wensleydale Railway for the best part of the last decade, progressing from crossing keeper, to trainee guard, to train guard. 

Now, she has passed her driver training and made history by becoming the railway line's first female driver. 

Sue also became the railway’s first female train guard in 2018, and the railway currently has three female guards.

After getting her certificate, Sue is qualified to drive the railway’s class 142 and class 143 diesel multiple-unit passenger trains. 

The Wensleydale Railway has been in operation since 1848, and is now working as a heritage railway for the local community and visiting tourists, offering a "great value day out in the Yorkshire Dales".

Sue said: “I have been a volunteer at Wensleydale Railway for eight years. I trained as a crossing keeper first, then as a trainee guard, passing as a train guard in 2018. I then began my driver training in 2022.

"My goal when I joined, was to become a train driver, so I am really happy to have fulfilled my ambition and I thank everyone at the railway, who has helped me achieve this!”

The 22-mile-long railway, and is one of the longest heritage lines in the UK. It currently operates heritage diesel train services between Scruton in the Vale of Mowbray and Leyburn on the outskirts of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales National Park.

It has award-winning, restored historic stations where visitors can learn more about 1900s railway life whilst enjoying free guided tours with costumed living history interpreters. It is currently working to restore passenger services from Leyburn to Redmire.

Sue added: “I would encourage more people to get involved in their local heritage railway. There are a wide variety of volunteer roles available, to suit all interests and abilities.

"It’s really rewarding to be part of a great team, helping to keep our history and heritage alive for the public to enjoy!”