Young railway volunteer steams ahead with latest achievement
A Skegness railway enthusiast is on track to become one of Lincolnshire's youngest steam locomotive drivers after passing his fireman's test on the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway.
Twenty-two-year-old Matthew Forman-Clark, from Skegness, has achieved the milestone after years of dedication as a volunteer on the popular heritage railway, based at Skegness Water Leisure Park.
Matthew, who works for family-run business Skegness Springs, joined the railway on his 18th birthday – the youngest age at which volunteers are allowed to sign up.
Since then, he has become a familiar face on the line, taking on a variety of roles while learning the skills needed to work with historic locomotives.
In July 2024 he became the youngest diesel train driver in Lincolnshire, and he has continued to build his experience by helping prepare steam locomotives for service, carrying out maintenance work and training as a fireman.
Passing the fireman's test marks another significant step on his railway journey and means he can now begin training to become a steam locomotive driver.
If successful, he could qualify next year to drive the railway's 1903-built locomotive Jurassic, a favourite with visitors to the attraction.
The achievement was celebrated during the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway's Narrow Gauge At Work event on June 20, which attracted railway enthusiasts from across the country.
Matthew was congratulated by his trainer, Tim Drury, Secretary of the railway's Historic Vehicles Trust, to applause from fellow volunteers.
Volunteer Chris Bates commented: “The role of a fireman is a vital one on a steam railway, involving responsibility for maintaining the locomotive's fire and steam pressure while assisting the driver during operations.
“During the final years of steam on Britain's railways, it was not uncommon for firemen to be in their early twenties.
"However, in modern heritage railways, younger volunteers progressing through the ranks to this level are far less common.
“Matthew's success highlights the important role younger volunteers play in helping preserve Britain's railway heritage and ensuring historic locomotives continue to steam into the future.”