Northampton seven-year-old among competition winners who will experience what it is like to be a train conductor

A Northampton seven-year-old is among 11 competition winners who will get to experience what it is like to be a train conductor.

Alexander, aged 7, from Northampton has been revealed as one of the winners of the West Midlands Railway (WMR) first-of-a-kind Little Train Conductor competition.

Eleven mini train enthusiasts, aged between four and ten, have been specially selected to conduct one of WMR’s brand-new state-of-the-art trains.

The Little Train Conductor competition launched at the start of the summer holidays. Kids up and down the country were encouraged to apply (via their parents and guardians) by sharing a video up to 30 seconds on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok (or email if preferred).

What initially began as a search for four budding train enthusiasts, soon increased to eleven lucky winners after WMR received a whopping 150 submissions from hopeful applicants. The hunt ended up so successful, that it left the judges simply unable to decide on just four entries.

Entrants were asked to tell WMR what they love most about trains, where they last went on a train, and why they’d like to be a conductor for the day. There were some absolutely inspiring and imaginative entries and the enthusiasm for train conducting shone through.

After days of deliberation, a panel of expert judges from West Midlands Railway chose the eleven lucky winners.

They include Alexander, aged seven, Northampton, Roksana, aged five, Church Stretton, Oliver, aged nine, Coventry, Benjamin, aged seven, Kidderminster, Charlie, aged nine, Sutton Coldfield, Noah, aged five, Telford, Sammy, aged 10, Kings Heath, Adam, aged six, Stourbridge, Zachary aged seven, Walsall, Alfred, aged eight, Wolverhampton and Franco, aged five, Sutton Coldfield.

Under the guidance of the WMR team, the children and their parents will come together during October half-term to experience what it is like to be a train conductor.

From seeing inside the train’s cab and checking tickets, to greeting customers and even making announcements over the public tannoy system, it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for budding train fans.

They will also receive their very own whistle, torch, tie, high-viz waistcoat and flags to ensure their journey as a conductor runs smoothly.

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Trains, said: “We were absolutely blown away by the response to our Little Train Conductor competition.

“With so many amazing entries to choose from, selecting just four winners wasn’t easy – which is why we felt it was only right we extended the prize to an additional seven applicants.

“We can’t wait to welcome the winners aboard one of our brand-new trains and give these aspiring train enthusiasts the chance to live out their dreams by becoming a conductor for the day.”

Having officially joined the railway network across the Shrewsbury, Hereford and the newly named Elephant & Bear lines, the new Class 196 trains feature more seats, additional under-seat luggage space, bike storage, and greater accessibility.

Following hot on the heels are the new Class 730 trains with the same great benefits, arriving on the Walsall-Wolverhampton and Cross City lines soon.