Fratton’s mother says people were shocked when they met ‘train driver’

The Hampshire mum has been driving trains for two years now and said often when she told people what she did for a living they would say she was “the first train driver” they had met.

She said that although it was still a male environment, she had never faced any hostility or prejudice during her work.

“The railway is like a big family and everyone is very supportive of each other,” Ms Deedat said.

She said she adapted shift work to fit her children and family life.

Looking back on her time as a driver, she said: “I just love being in the taxi and seeing all this beautiful scenery, especially the drive through the South Downs and the wildlife, it’s wonderful.”

“It’s a great feeling to know that you got all these people safely to their destination.”

Ms Deedat shared her experiences in a SWR video campaign to encourage more women to enter the rail industry.

SWR apprenticeship positions will open at Farnham, Fratton, Waterloo and Weymouth depots.

The organization said female applicants do not need previous rail experience.