'Dream come true' as woman becomes steam train driver

Becoming the first female steam locomotive driver on the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is "a dream come true" for Steph Elwood.

Elwood followed the traditional route through the steam department, from cleaner to fireman, and ultimately to qualified steam locomotive driver.

After completing the driving assessment, she hopes her success will inspire other women to follow in her footsteps.

"There have been challenges and a lot to learn, but every step of the journey has made reaching this moment even more rewarding," she said.

Elwood said her love of heritage railways started on her first Santa Special - the annual Christmas train run by the railway - and became "a lifelong passion".

"To think that, all these years later, I would be here achieving this, is something I could never have imagined," she said.

"From being a little girl fascinated by steam trains, to now having the opportunity to drive one myself, is a dream come true.

She said: "I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported, encouraged and helped me along the way.

"I hope my achievement will show other women that the railway really is a place for them.

"If my journey inspires even one woman to take that first step, [to] get involved and discover what they can achieve - then I would be incredibly proud."

Chairman Mike Kelly said it was an "outstanding achievement", adding that qualifying as a steam locomotive driver requires "enormous commitment, determination, skill and passion".

"Steph has demonstrated all of those qualities throughout her journey," he said.

"The ELR depends upon passing knowledge, skills and traditions from one generation to the next, and we hugely appreciate the dedication of all our volunteers who give their time and passion to keep our railway's heritage alive."

The ELR was closed to passengers by British Rail in 1972.

It was rebuilt later that same decade, continuing into the 1980s, and reopened between Bury and Ramsbottom in 1987. It was later extended to Rawtenstall and Heywood.

The 12.5 mile (20km) heritage route runs through the scenic Irwell Valley, passing through a landscape dotted with industrial relics, factories, fields and cottages.

It is a popular tourist attraction, particularly at Christmas when it operates the Santa Specials, and operates thanks to a team of more than 800 volunteers.

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