A Hopetown Darlington team member is celebrating a major personal milestone after joining the support crew of the world-famous steam locomotive 60163 Tornado.
Holly Cuthbert, 19, who works at Hopetown Darlington as a Welcome Team member and volunteers for The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, achieved the milestone on 27th September 2026, becoming one of the youngest members of the team at just 19 years old. She is also one of a growing number of women choosing to get involved in activities that have traditionally been male dominated and demonstrates that working with steam can be enjoyable for all.
Holly’s achievement marks the latest chapter in an inspiring railway journey that began through the Young Producer programme facilitated by the National Lottery Heritage Funded Stockton & Darlington Railway 26 Mile Heritage Project, before she joined Hopetown’s Welcome Team.
Her passion for railways first developed while studying at college, but it was seeing Tornado at York Station that sparked a lasting fascination with the iconic locomotive. Speaking about her journey, Holly said: “I saw Tornado in York Station and completely fell in love with it. I was fascinated by the locomotive and wanted to learn more about how these incredible engines operate.”
Determined to pursue her interest further, Holly applied to volunteer with the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust (A1SLT), the organisation responsible for building and operating Tornado. Holly completed training around working safely around rail vehicles, such as how to work safely at height, and through her personal dedication and volunteering in her own time, she has progressed to become part of the locomotive’s support crew.
Graeme Bunker-James, Trustee and Commercial Director at The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust said: “Holly’s achievement symbolises the strong partnership between the Trust and Hopetown. It is pleasing to see people from all backgrounds becoming involved in railway preservation, and Holly’s story shows what can be achieved through enthusiasm, hard work and dedication. It is especially pleasing that she is a local volunteer joining the team.”
On 27 September 2026, coinciding with the 201st anniversary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, Holly took her place alongside the Tornado team on Hopetown Heritage Railway, marking a significant milestone in her volunteering journey and showing that local people of all ages can get involved in heritage.
Councillor Libby McCollom, Cabinet Member for Local Services at Darlington Borough Council, said: “As we continue to celebrate Darlington’s railway heritage, it is wonderful to see young people like Holly playing an active role in shaping its future. She is a credit to Hopetown, to the wider railway community and to Darlington, and I hope her story encourages other young people, especially young women, to explore the exciting opportunities available within the heritage, engineering and rail sectors.”
Jessica Woodley, S&DR Youth Engagement Officer at the S&DR 26 Miles Project said: “Holly joined S&DR Young Producers as a young trainspotter with a keen interest in heritage. She brought her passion and expertise to the Young Producers ‘Beyond the Tracks’ exhibition and became a main presenter of the group’s social media series. I’m so proud to see her continue her passion for heritage rail with such a fantastic achievement!”
Holly’s story demonstrates how cultural and heritage projects can inspire young people and create pathways into volunteering, skills development and careers within the railway and heritage sectors. From helping shape activities as a Young Producer to welcoming visitors at Hopetown Darlington and now supporting the operation of one of Britain’s most celebrated steam locomotives, Holly’s journey is a remarkable example of where passion and determination can lead.
Holly’s achievement reflects the growing role of women and young people within the heritage railway sector and highlights the opportunities available to the next generation of railway enthusiasts, engineers and heritage professionals.
