AN ADORABLE young trainspotter from Bacup has won the hearts of hundreds after a video of him posing as a 'station master' was shared to social media.

On Saturday, May 14, Edward Almond spent his third birthday on the East Lancashire Railway where he could follow in the footsteps of his late great grandfather, Brian Almond, who used to be a station master in the area.

In an adorable video taken at Rawtenstall Station, Edward can be seen blowing a whistle, raising his hand and shouting "right away" as his great-grandpa Brian did many a time.

Train passengers then wave back to the tot as they drive on.

The video has been liked by hundreds of people with others commenting on it.

 

 

One person said: “Aww sweet! Your little Edward has got some skills he learned from his grandpa, clever fella.”

Another said: “Great to see and hopefully he will be hooked for life”.

Edward’s dad, Michael Almond, said it seems like railway and trains “are in his blood”.

Lancashire Telegraph: Danielle, Michael and Edward AlmondDanielle, Michael and Edward Almond

Edwards Great Grandpa, Brian Almond, was the station master at Ramsbottom Station on the East Lancashire Railway between 1987- 1997.

He died in September 2019 and the family got a plaque on a bench at Ramsbottom Station to remember him by.

Michael said: “Since a young age, my Grandpa would take me to the station to help out so I have a lot of fond memories going down to the station as a kid.

“I contacted the East Lancashire Railway and enquired about getting a plaque on a bench at Ramsbottom Station.

Lancashire Telegraph: Brian Almond, was the station master at Ramsbottom Station on the East Lancashire Railway between 1987- 1997Brian Almond, was the station master at Ramsbottom Station on the East Lancashire Railway between 1987- 1997

“As a result, I often take Edward to see his Great Grandpa's bench at Ramsbottom and of course to see the trains departing.”

Last Saturday, Michael and his wife, Danielle, took Edward on a steam train for his third birthday.

Michael said: “After travelling from Rawtenstall all the way to Heywood and back, Edward got the chance to go on the footplate of the steam engine which he loved.

"Edward then wanted to wait to see the train depart and even pretended to be a station master as his great grandpa once was.”

Michael says it is important to tell Edward all about his family history and train roots.

Lancashire Telegraph: Brian and Michael Almond with baby EdwardBrian and Michael Almond with baby Edward

He said: “It’s great that he loves trains and can visit his his great grandpa's bench.

“My grandpa had so many stories to tell, from firing the Flying Scotsman to driving trains, all of which Edward won’t hear from him... so I make sure I tell Edward his stories.

“I have a lot of fond memories at Ramsbottom Station and travelling on the train I also get the relive my youth taking Edward on the train.

“I’m also aware it’s important to get the younger generations interested as they may one day become volunteers which is imperative to the running of the ELR for generations to come.”