ALL ABOARD: Oliver Lemm, aged seven, in the cab of the Northern Spirit Transpennine locomotive for his trip to Liverpool Picture: Mike Tipping

Oliver Lemm's wish come true when he caught the 8.37am Liverpool train at York railway station.

Oliver, aged seven, from Carlton near Selby, sat alongside driver Peter Wattling in the cab for the journey across the Pennines.

Oliver suffers from a condition that causes progressive loss of sight and the outing is part of a bid to give him strong visual memories.

"He's loved trains since he was little - as a christening present his dad bought him a Hornby railway set," said Oliver's mother, Jane Lemm.

"We're thrilled that Oliver is able to ride up front in the driver's cab. I'm sure it's every little boy's wish and something that he'll remember."

She and Oliver's father, Trevor, learned of Oliver's condition in January, and since then have been trying to give their son the opportunity to see as many sights as possible.

Train operator Northern Spirit specially authorised the VIP trip on the Transpennine service.

Driver team manager Stuart Houlgate was waiting at York Railway Station to accompany Oliver on his journey.

"I knew Oliver loves trains and I wanted to do something special for him," said Mr Wattling.

"I've been friends with his dad, Trevor, for some time now and when he told me that they were trying to get as many visual treats for Oliver as possible, I jumped at the chance to be able to help."

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