A VOLUNTEER has turned his passion into his dream job.

Last week, the Talyllyn Railway announced the appointment of Chris Smith as its new engineering manager.

Chris comes to his new role with a “wealth of experience” in the rail engineering industry, both in the mainline and heritage sectors.

He has also been a regular volunteer for the past twenty years on the Talyllyn, being a qualified fireman on the Railway.

Having served his apprenticeship as a mechanical fitter he has worked on mainline diesel locomotives, and was the lead engineer on the overhaul of over 600 wagons for Freightliner, as well as a spell with Metronet in London.

In addition, Chris has been employed as a contract fitter for the new-build A1 class steam locomotive Tornado. More recently he has been employed at Arriva’s Eastleigh maintenance depot.

A delighted Chris said: “I am very much looking forward to working on the Talyllyn Railway following 20 years involvement as a volunteer, and also having the opportunity to bring skills and experiences from the heritage and mainline railway industries.

“My family and I are also very excited about having the chance to come and live in Tywyn.”

Read the full story in this Thursday’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News