FOR many of a certain age, the chance to be a train driver was a childhood dream, and Pembroke Dock Normandy veteran Ted Owens recently had the opportunity to do just that, thanks to a surprise arranged by friend, and town councillor, Peter Kraus.

On Saturday, July 30, Ted was given a treat of a lifetime, a chance to dive an Intercity 125.

Cllr Kraus arranged the whole event through his charity Over The Rainbow Dream Come True, after five months of planning, with the help of Great Western Railways.

Ted, of Elizabeth Court, served in B Troop 41 Royal Marine Commando, and was earlier this year made a Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur, one of France’s highest military decorations.

Ted, unaware of the plans for his special treat, was told to be ready by 7am and dressed with all his medals, and was then taken by car to Carmarthen railway station where he was met by Tim Ward from ITV Wales.

Cllr Kraus said: “This is when I told Ted what it was all about, Ted was going to drive an Intercity 125 Train from Carmarthen station to Pembroke Dock.

“At 8.15am the train arrived at Carmarthen and the GWR manager came along and introduced himself and what was going to happen.

“This is when Ted realised he was going to be in the driver’s seat, he really looked the part.”

When the train finally arrived at Pembroke Dock at 9.49am Ted was met by lots of friends including Pembroke & Pembroke Dock Fire Service, where he used to work when he was 15 years old, local author Pamela Hunt with her Austin 7, Miss Daisy, and many others.

“Ted was now in his element with everyone around him, when he finally disembarked off the train lots of pictures were taken with the GWR Crew; Ian Rowlands, the manager of GWR then told me that it was an honour to have done this special event and if I ever wanted his services again he would be more than glad to help,” said Cllr Kraus.

“Once the train left, together with Tim Ward from ITV Wales, Ted was taken into the Station Inn in Pembroke Dock where Don Esmond kindly opened up especially for the special occasion, Ted and his friends were then offered teas and coffee, plus some absolutely fantastic cupcakes made by Angela Caufield from Pembroke which had TED, 125, and STAR. Once the party finished about 10.30am Ted was then transported home by Pamela Hunt and Miss Daisy.

“May I say a massive thank you to everyone who joined in this special day and keeping it secret for so long, it was well worth it.”