Scarborough author delights young fan by helping fill gaps in his collection
Scarborough author Joe Coates has delighted a young fan by presenting him with a number of railway books he was unable to find to purchase.
Eight-year-old Orion, who lives in York, became a fan of Mr Coates’ series of railway books during visits to his beloved North Bay Railway in Scarborough.
Orion, who has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound, doesn’t speak, although he is aware of all that is said, and he visits the railway on a regular basis.
His mother contacted Mr Coates after she discovered there were more titles in the 10-book series, which is set at North Bay Railway, that were no longer in stock in the railway shop.
Mr Coates said: “I retired from writing my railway books around covid, so the North Bay Railway didn't have any, and I only have a few left.
“Orion’s mother e-mailed me, asking me if she could have the books her son didn't have, and I was happy to provide four books that he hadn’t seen yet - Tunnel Trouble, New Steam Engine, Percy the Cat and All Your Favourite Engines.”
Mr Coates said he was delighted to be able to fill the gap in Orion’s collection and the two had a good time together looking at the trains.