A young train enthusiast was treated to an extraordinary day out thanks to TransPennine Express.

Nathaniel Briggs, of Huddersfield, was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on two rides between York and Scarborough - in the driver's cab.

Nathaniel, who has autism and ADHD, has been fascinated with trains for as long as parents Anthony and Sarah can remember.

He finds the motion of trains calming and loves exploring new places, having travelled on most of TransPennine Express's network from Scotland to Saltburn.

The unforgettable experience came about after Nathaniel and his father met TransPennine Express's managing director, Chris Jackson, onboard one of its services to Manchester.

Upon learning about Nathaniel’s devotion to trains, Mr Jackson invited him to have a cab ride.

Lead driver manager, Steve Whitehead, gave Nathaniel a TransPennine Express gift bag including his very own hi-vis jacket.

Nathaniel was even allowed to sound the horn as they drove past a whistle board - signs that mark a location where a train driver is required to sound the horn.

Mr Briggs said: "I cannot thank TransPennine Express enough for making the cab ride for Nathaniel happen; it was a brilliant day.

"We had a fantastic experience, and Nathaniel loved it.

Nathaniel got to toot the horn when passing a whistle boardNathaniel had the opportunity to toot the horn when passing a whistle board (Image: Supplied)

"The memories made during his big day out will stay with him for a lifetime.

"TransPennine Express has made a little boy’s dreams come true.

"Nathaniel will certainly have something a little different to talk about when he returns to school."

Nathaniel said: "Thanks for the cab ride, Steve; I liked tooting the horn."

Mr Whitehead said: "It was lovely to meet Nathaniel and his father Anthony.

"Nathaniel is a fantastic young boy; he was brilliant at pointing out the signals during the cab rides and was a natural at spotting the whistle board signs.

"I’m glad we could offer Nathaniel this experience, it’s always great to meet people who could be part of the next railway generation."

The Briggs family were also given VIP First Class travel on their trip to and from York.