A Huddersfield boy with a love of trains was given a ride in the driver’s cab, thanks to a chance meeting with the boss of TransPennine Express (TPE).

Nathaniel Briggs, who has autism and ADHD, has been fascinated by trains for as long as his parents Anthony and Sarah can remember.

Nathaniel finds the train motion calming, loves exploring new places and is a regular train passenger, having travelled on most of TPE’s network from Scotland to Saltburn.

Nathaniel and his father Anthony met TPE’s managing director Chris Jackson on board one of its services in Manchester a couple of weeks ago after noticing the TPE lanyard and said hello. Chris then invited Nathaniel to have a cab ride on a service between York and Scarborough.

Anthony Briggs, Nathaniel’s father, said: “I cannot thank TransPennine Express enough for making the cab ride for Nathaniel happen; it was a brilliant day.

“We had a fantastic experience, and Nathaniel loved it. The memories made during his big day out will stay with him for a lifetime.

“TPE has made a little boy’s dreams come true. Nathaniel will certainly have something a little different to talk about when he returns to school.”

 

Nathaniel with his father

 

Lead driver manager Steve Whitehead presented Nathaniel with a TPE gift bag, including his very own hi-vis jacket.

To top off the day, under close supervision, Nathaniel was allowed to sound the horn as they drove past a whistle board, which are signs that mark a location where a train driver is required to sound the horn.

The Briggs family were also given VIP First Class travel on their trip to and from York.

Nathaniel said: “Thanks for the cab ride, Steve. I liked tooting the horn!”

Steve said: “It was lovely to meet Nathaniel and his father Anthony. Nathaniel is a fantastic young boy; he was brilliant at pointing out the signals during the cab rides and was a natural at spotting the whistle board signs.

“I’m glad we could offer Nathaniel this experience, it’s always great to meet people who could be part of the next railway generation.”