IT was full steam ahead for the newly-retired head of Woodhey High School when he fulfilled a lifelong ambition.

Mr Frank Bennett climbed on the footplate to drive an East Lancs Railway steam train on Monday.

Mr Bennett, the first head of Woodhey High School, retired from the Ramsbottom school in the summer after 21 years. The ride on the steam train was one of his many leaving presents given to him by colleagues, children and friends. They found out through his wife, Kay, that it was his dream to drive a real steam train.

Mr Bennett was joined on the footplate by former pupil Mr Kevin Cronin, (pictured with Mr Bennett on the footplate) who was his fireman, and Kevin's father Frank, an engine driver for the ELR, and one of Mr Bennett's former collegues.

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