AN apprentice engineer from Launceston returned to his roots to help out at Bodmin railway during his holidays.

Dean Parkin, 17, is a former student of Launceston College. He was one of five young people awarded an engineering apprenticeship last September at the Heritage Skills Training Academy on the Severn Valley Railway in Shropshire.

This was a considerable achievement, given the competition from all over the UK for these much sought after places.

Dean has been a volunteer at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway for two years. The award meant he had to make the significant step of leaving home and moving to Bridgnorth.

His passion for steam engines runs in the family — the Parkins show their own traction engine.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.