A SECOND World War veteran’s wish come true during a surprise reunion with two of his oldest and dearest friends.

Caleb Priestley drove trains in Iran during the Second World War, and had often told friends how he wished to ride the rails with his old fireman, Bob Bullock, on his favourite steam engine, known as “the Black 5”.

At the North Yorkshire Moors Railway yesterday, 91-year-old Caleb’s wish came true when he was reunited with Bob at Grosmont Station on the footplate of the imposing steam engine.

Railway spokesman Phil Bustard said: “To his friends and neighbours, Mr Priestley has often remarked on how, if he had a wish, it would be to see his former fireman, Bob Bullock, one more time and for them to recreate a bit of history by being reunited on a Black 5.

“So, unbeknown to him, we made sure he would get the chance. When Mr Priestley arrived at Grosmont Station he was under the belief he was having a nice day out but as we walked him round on the platform there was Bob – 47 years after they had last seen each other.

“Mr Priestley was absolutely delighted – he was over the moon.

“When they were reunited they had a chat about the good old days and then Mr Priestley sprinted to the train and went for a ride on the footplate.

“I am sure we made his day.

“Not only was he reunited with his former fireman, but he had great day enjoying what the golden age of steam was all about.”

Mr Priestley has driven trains throughout his life. His memories include the firing and driving of trains in Iran during the war and also driving trains in Italy.

His favourite locomotives, “the Black 5” steam engines, were built from the mid 1930s onwards and were used for some 20 years on Britain’s railways. One such engine, the 45428 Eric Treacy, which Mr Priestley rode yesterday, has just returned to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway after an 11-year absence.