A RARE opportunity to drive miniature trains all day for a living is up for grabs at one of North Yorkshire’s most popular tourist attractions.

Newby Hall near Ripon is on the search for a full-time train driver/engineer to run its well-known narrow-gauge railway that boasts 1.2km of track through its beautiful, award-winning gardens along the River Ure.

The successful applicant will drive three types of railway engine – steam, battery and gas-powered – and be in charge of train, track and station maintenance. The job will be just the ticket for someone who loves being around people as around 50,000 passengers each year travel on Newby’s miniature railway.

Stuart Gill, operations director at Newby Hall, said: “This is a chance to perhaps turn your hobby or childhood dream into a career, particularly if you feel your job aspirations have been shunted into the sidings. We need someone who has a real passion for trains and engineering, preferably with previous relevant experience, and they also need to be great at managing our team of volunteers.”

Another unusual part of the job will involve jets – not high-powered aeroplane but H2O! As well as keeping the trains on time, the successful applicant will also be responsible for the upkeep of Newby Hall’s interactive Tarantella water fountain in the children’s play area.

For more information and to apply, visit www.newbyhall.com/jobs/train-driver-and-engineer.