'Right at home' - Train super fan, 5, gets full training to become a ‘rookie driver’ with Avanti West Coast

Daniel Rogerson has from a young age had a big love of trains. For his first birthday, Daniel was gifted a wooden train set from mum Elaine, this has since expanded to fill almost the full living room of the family home. 

The passion carried on, and Daniel would watch Avanti West Coast Pendolino trains go racing past his window. In a previous home, the West Coast Mainline ran right next to the property.   

Upon finding out about his love of trains, Avanti West Coast reached out and invited Daniel for a day at their training centre in Crewe. They spotted his love for the Pendolino through a social media post showing Daniel’s train-inspired bed. 

Daniel enjoyed an exclusive test drive of the simulator, as well as the chance to sit in the driver’s cab of its training Pendolino. The Avanti West Coast team also gave him a behind-the-scenes tour of Crewe station, including the announcer’s office, and taught him how to dispatch a train. Of course, there was plenty of time for trainspotting too. 

Natalie Whitehouse, Head of Learning and Development at Avanti West Coast, said: “We had a great time welcoming Daniel to our driving school for the day.  

“With Daniel having so much love for trains it was brilliant to give him the chance to experience what it’s like to be in the driver’s cab with his mum. He seemed right at home and impressed us with his knowledge, as well as eagerness to learn!”  

Daniel’s mum, Elaine Rogerson, said: “Daniel loves to watch trains – whether it’s from the nearby train bridge or on YouTube. So, being given the opportunity to become a rookie train driver was amazing! It’s an experience we’ll never forget! After his time at Avanti West Coast’s driving school, I couldn’t be more certain he’s destined to be a train driver.”