A CHILDHOOD love of trains put this young man on the right tracks to becoming a dedicated volunteer at the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway.
The thrill of a visit to the grand opening of the charity's Ludborough station when Daniel Wright was eight years old obviously stayed with him, as he now volunteers at the station once a week.
And he has joined the appeal for more volunteers to give up their time to restoring the railway towards Louth, which used to be part of the Great Northern route from Boston to Grimsby.
Daniel, 22, volunteers every Tuesday as part of the permanent way gang, a job he finds rewarding and interesting.
He said: "I have always been interested in railways and trains. It probably all started when I was about four with Thomas The Tank Engine.
"I would definitely say it was my life-long love of railways that made me sign up."
There are a host of different jobs that need doing at the railway, which needs to raise £2.3 million to complete its ambitions to reach Louth, from general maintenance men and carriage restoration workers to accountants, architects and solicitors.
As reported, the railway is five miles away from reaching Louth, but to lay the track alone will cost £200,000.
Volunteer co-ordinator Olive Lynn said: "There is a job for everyone. No job is too big or too small and people can do what they have time to do.
"We have a whole gang that come in three times a week and then others that come in once a month. There is always something going on so the hours are always welcome."
Daniel is training to be an accountant and finds his Tuesdays a welcome relief from the studying slog, as well as something a bit different for his CV.
He said: "I get a lot out of being a volunteer. I go home at the end of the day knowing I have made a difference. It might only be a little bit, and sometimes I do things that the visitors wouldn't even notice, but everything I have done throughout the day helps keep the railway going.
"The volunteers work tirelessly, giving their all and contributing their time. Knowing I am a part of that feels great.
"It has helped me meet some incredibly interesting people who have fascinating stories to tell."
Olive said: "Volunteers and money are vital to keeping this going."
Get involved
If you want to get involved, contact the volunteer services at either East and West Lindsey district councils or e-mail contact@lincolnshirewolds railway.co.uk.
You can also call 01507 363881 or drop in at the railway in Station Road, Ludborough, on Tuesdays or Saturdays between 9.30am and 4pm.
