A SOMERSET charity is preventing traditional restoration skills from dying out by training young people to refurbish and renovate steam engines and heritage carriages.

West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA), which supports West Somerset Railway in helping keep the magic of steam alive on the line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, takes on apprentices to help with its vital work.

Peter Chidzey, WSRA Chairman, said: “We support a team at West Somerset Restoration in Williton, which is dedicated to keeping traditional engineering skills going.

“It carries out heavy engineering work, particularly on steam locomotives and takes on work that other companies find uneconomic.

“It also trains apprentices in the skills required to restore and maintain the trains and associated equipment – everything from precision machine work on the engines, to painting and decorating the carriages to the very highest of finishes.

"All the skills our apprentices learn are transferable to other walks of life and we’re very proud of all they achieve in helping keep our engines and carriages in such good order, and saving these skills from dying out.”

West Somerset Restoration currently has five apprentices working in its workshops helping to refurbish and preserve the WSRA’s engines and the livery and interiors of its rolling stock.

Overseeing the workshop is Ray Waldron, the works manager. He explained: “The work we do is vital to the survival of the railway. These skills must be carried forward or they won’t exist tomorrow. We’re really keeping these engines running for future generations to enjoy and without the apprentices it will be impossible to continue restoring and maintaining them.”

Ray comes from railway stock. His grandad was employed at Swindon rail works, but he says apprentices come from all walks of life and backgrounds.

“It helps to have a love or feel for the railway, as it’s a real vocation, but in essence we’re teaching some wonderful skills for life that can be carried across into other industries.”

Ryan Pope from Bridgwater has been with the WSRA for four years, initially as a volunteer in the workshop and has family connections with the railway.

The 26-year-old, who will become a permanent engineer with the organisation when his apprenticeship finishes, explained: “Becoming an apprentice here was a wonderful opportunity for me. The skills I have learnt will set me up for life, working with engines like this you have to think things through and then implement your plan. It’s really absorbing and rewarding work.”