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Thursday 29 Oct 2026

Young train fan’s ‘brilliant’ rail day – nearly a decade on from first signal box visit

Region & Route:

Eastern

A railway-mad youngster enjoyed a special day behind the scenes on the railway – nearly 10 years after his memorable first visit to a signal box.

Twelve-year-old Jack Jones was treated to a cab ride from Darlington to Shildon before being given a tour of Shildon signal box to see first-hand how signallers help keep trains moving safely.

Jack, of Bishop Middleham in County Durham, visited nearby Heighington signal box when he was just three years old. The trip proved to be a formative experience which helped cement Jack’s passion for the railway – and he still has the helmet and jacket he was given on the day.

To make the day even more special, Northern invited Jack to ride in the front cab for the journey there, watching driver team manager Adam Keech in action on the 11.23 from Darlington to Shildon.

After arriving in Shildon, Jack was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the signal box, learned more about the role of signaller – and signed an entry in the train register book, the official ledger kept to record train movements.

During the behind-the-scenes experience on Monday (26 October), Jack and his grandparents Beryl and John Bell were also reunited with former route operations manager Mick Hodgson. Mick, who retired two years ago, made a lasting impression when he gave the original tour and now plans to keep in touch with the family.

Chris Thomas, Network Rail operations manager, said:

“It was a real pleasure to help arrange this very special railway experience for Jack after his visit all those years ago.

“It’s clear he has a real passion for the railway, so we wanted to make the day as memorable as we could. Being able to arrange the cab ride to Shildon and then show him around the signal box was fantastic, and it was even more special to have Mick there too. We all hope it’s another railway experience that Jack will remember for many years to come.”

Jack’s grandma Beryl Bell, of Maunby, near Thirsk, said:

“Jack has never forgotten that first visit when he was three, so for everyone to make such an effort to arrange another special day for him nine years later means a great deal to us.

“He has always loved trains and the railway and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. We're incredibly grateful to everyone at Network Rail and Northern who helped make the day possible.”

Jack said:

“The whole day was brilliant. I really enjoyed the cab ride and getting to see inside Shildon signal box and how everything works. It was level crossings that first got me interested in the railway, and I still remember that first signal box visit when I was little.”