A VETERAN steam driver who was part of the first Darlington railway workers' reunion has died.

Ken Lambert, 79, of Belvedere Road, Darlington, spent 45 years as a British Rail train driver before retiring.

He then helped to drive the Peckett Northern Gas Board No.1 steam locomotive, run by the Darlington Railway Preservation Society, for young visitors at the town's railway museum

Mr Lambert was part of a group of ex-engine drivers who met regularly for more than 50 years every Thursday at the East End Working Men's Club, in Darlington.

He was also part of the first reunion of railway workers, which was held at the railway museum in 1994, which drew hundreds of people from all over the country who worked in the industry.

Mr Lambert died on Thursday, leaving a wife Vera, children Tony and Gilly, and grandchild Jo.

A funeral service will take place at St John's Church, Darlington, at 1pm on Thursday.