Son of Bolton's Fred Dibnah wins National Transport Trust Award

Jack Dibnah, son of the late great Fred Dibnah MBE, acquired a Kerr Stuart 0-4-0ST Witch class locomotive in 2020.

The locomotive, built in 1926, was in a "decrepit state requiring major restoration work".

When Mr Dibnah received the train, it required 'major restoration work' (Image: Albany Communications)

The locomotive was restored to steam at the Foxfield Heritage Railway in 1983, and ran until 1999, after which it was stored pending an overhaul.

Mr Dibnah has now restored the locomotive, which was used to shunt coal wagons for the British Gas Light Company, to full working order.

The train required the fitment of a new saddle tank (Image: Albany Communications)

At the 2024 National Transport Trust Awards, Mr Dibnah received the Sir William McAlpine Award for his contribution towards the restoration.

Mr Dibnah received the Sir William McAlpine Award for his contribution towards the restoration (Image: Albany Communications)

National Transport Trust chairman Stuart Wilkinson said: "The loco was acquired by Jack Dibnah in 2020, and was in a decrepit state requiring major restoration work.

"Its overhaul and rebuild has seen a lot of work carried out which has included the fitment of a new saddle tank.

"A major milestone was reached in June 2022 when it was steamed in one piece for the first time since 1999, and restoration work continued delivering the completed locomotive as it can be seen today. 

"And in recognition of this work, Jack has been presented with Lady McAlpine’s special recognition award."