Bob Young OBE, Honorary President of Newcastle United, marked his 80th birthday year by taking the controls of a Sentinel locomotive at Weardale Railway in Stanhope, County Durham.
The visit formed part of a driver experience day hosted by the heritage railway, with Bob joined in the cab by Wayne Dixon, Technical Advisor, and accompanied by Claire Gibbons, General Manager. The occasion also welcomed Tim Duffy, who travelled from the United States to attend.
Under supervision, Bob operated the locomotive along the line, taking part in a hands-on experience designed to showcase the railway’s heritage and engineering.
The Sentinel locomotive has a strong industrial heritage. It came from Daw Mill in 1993 and is powered by a Rolls-Royce eight-cylinder supercharged engine. With 325 brake horsepower, it is capable of hauling loads of up to 1,500 tonnes.
Bob – who celebrates his 80th birthday in May – began his career as a miner at the age of 15 before building a successful business career, founding the Young Group and later Hargreaves Services. Alongside his work in industry, he has played a significant role in the region’s public and sporting life, including serving as a Durham County Councillor and as Honorary President of Newcastle United. He was awarded an OBE for services to business and the community and established the Robert Young Scholarship Fund at Durham University.
The Sentinel driver experience has previously attracted national and international attention. It featured on BBC’s Weekend Escapes, broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in January 2024, when Robson Green took the controls of the locomotive. Acclaimed Irish chef Neven Maguire also took part while filming his seven-part series Neven’s English Food Tour for RTÉ One, which explored the North East of England, including Newcastle, Northumberland and County Durham.
Claire Gibbons, General Manager at Weardale Railway, said: “We were delighted to welcome Bob to the railway to mark his 80th birthday year. It was a great opportunity to share the experience we offer and to celebrate the region’s industrial heritage with someone who has contributed so much to the North East.”
Bob said: “Taking the controls was a fabulous surprise and, in many ways, every man’s dream. As a child I spent hours trainspotting at Relly Bridge just outside Durham, and like most people, I always imagined that one day I’d be the driver. This experience made that a reality.
“The journey itself was just as memorable — the sights, the wildlife, the river in full flow, and even the early lambs in the fields. Wayne’s knowledge and insight really brought everything into context and added to the day.
“If I were a bit younger and fitter, I’d be signing up to volunteer. What the team has here is something special, and it’s worth preserving.
“The photographs have captured a moment I’ll always value — a very special memory.”
Spanning 18 miles from Bishop Auckland to Eastgate, and operating 16 miles between Bishop Auckland West and Stanhope, Weardale Railway is a heritage line that connects communities while celebrating County Durham’s rich railway history. The railway offers a range of visitor experiences, including driver days, heritage journeys and educational visits, supporting tourism and preserving the area’s railway history.
The Auckland Project rescued the railway from administration in 2020 and has invested significantly, funding essential repairs and infrastructure improvements. The Weardale Railway now offers revived operational heritage services and events—including afternoon teas, wine and cheese trains, and the popular Santa Express.
The Weardale Railway is part of The Auckland Project, a regeneration charity transforming Bishop Auckland into a leading visitor destination through its unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, and gardens.
Visitors can explore Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, Faith Museum, along with extensive gardens and Deer Park.
Find out more here: www.aucklandproject.org and https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/, and for more information about the Driver Experience, visit https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/driver-experiences.
