East Lancashire Railway welcomes its first female steam locomotive driver

Monday, 7 September 2026 10:06

By David Murphy

The East Lancashire Railway has its first female steam locomotive driver after Steph Elwood successfully completed her driving assessments.

She progressed through the railway's steam department from cleaner to fireman before qualifying to drive steam locomotives.

Steph is now officially a Passed Fireman, allowing her to carry out both firing and driving turns on the heritage railway.

She said her interest in heritage railways began when she attended her first Santa Special at two months old.

Steph said: “I’m so pleased to be able to say that I’ve now successfully passed all my driving assessments to become the first female steam train driver at the East Lancashire Railway. It feels like such a huge achievement, and I still can’t quite believe that I’m now officially a Passed Fireman, allowing me to carry out both firing and driving turns.

“My love of heritage railways goes back to when I was just two months old, when I attended my first Santa Special. To think that, all these years later, I would be here achieving this is something I could never have imagined. From being a little girl fascinated by steam trains to now having the opportunity to drive one myself is a dream come true.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported, encouraged and helped me along the way. There have been challenges and a lot to learn, but every step of the journey has made reaching this moment even more rewarding.

“I hope my achievement will show other women that the railway really is a place for them. If my journey inspires even one woman to take that first step, get involved and discover what they can achieve, then I would be incredibly proud.”

Mike Kelly, chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, said: “I want to offer Steph my warmest congratulations on this outstanding achievement. Becoming a steam locomotive driver requires enormous commitment, determination, skill and passion, and Steph has demonstrated all of those qualities throughout her journey.

“What makes this achievement particularly special is that Steph has become the first female steam locomotive driver in the history of the East Lancashire Railway.

“She may not see herself as a pioneer or a role model, but she should take a moment to appreciate what she has achieved. By following the traditional route from cleaner through the steam crew ranks to the footplate, she has not only achieved her own ambition but has also helped to open the door for other women who may dream of becoming steam locomotive drivers.”

The East Lancashire Railway operates around 12 miles between Heywood, Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall.

It reopened to passengers in 1987 and is due to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027.