A COUNCIL boss teamed up with one of the region’s big attractions to help make a charity worker’s life-long dream come true.

Jack Parkinson, 27, is a train enthusiast who always wanted to ride on the footplate of a steam train.

And Ryedale District Council chairman John Raper joined forces with the North York Moors Railway to turn the dream into reality.

Jack is strongly involved with the charity Ryedale Special Families – one of the Coun Raper’s chosen charities for his year in office.

"When I was offered to chance to ride on the footplate I was delighted but wondered if I could do anything to help my charities by doing so," said Coun Raper.

"I spoke to Ryedale Special Families and they suggested that Jack would be the ideal person to join me on this fantastic journey."

He added: "We had a fantastic experience and would like to say a big thank-you to all at the railway for making this dream come true for a very special young man."

Jack added: "I had an amazing time. It was something I had always wanted to do and something I will remember forever."