Yorkshire coast community rail group takes on new young volunteer photographer

Mason was the winner of the YCCRP’s 2026 photography competition which was sponsored by Hull Trains, and his prize was two first class return tickets to London with Hull Trains.

The YCCRP were so impressed by Mason’s photography skills and knowledge of the railway that they offered him the position of volunteer photographer.

Mason follows in the footsteps of their previous volunteer photographer – Bradley Langton.

Bradley spent a few years taking photos for the YCCRP and went on to pursue a career in the rail industry. He also won the Young Railway Photographer of the Year national competition in 2022. His time volunteering with the YCCRP gave him the experience, encouragement and connections he needed for both his hobby and his career, and the YCCRP hope that it will do the same for Mason.

Mason will be accompanied by his mum Claire as he does this voluntary work for the group, as he is under 16.

Claire said : “Mason is thrilled to be offered this exciting opportunity, and extremely proud to represent the YCCRP and Northern.”

Mr Langton spent a day on the railway with Mason showing him the ropes and giving him some advice.

Mr Langton said : “In 2018 I started as volunteer photographer for the YCCRP and it pretty much changed my life for the better, as I grew and gained experience it then aligned me with my career on the railway.

“It was a pleasure to meet Mason and Claire and spend some time photographing trains with Mason.

It felt like handing over the torch and it was great to give the opportunity that I had to someone new.”

YCCRP community rail officer Rachel Osborne said: “We love to encourage young people to volunteer and work on the railway.

“We are so proud of Bradley and pleased that we were able to help give him the start he needed for his career.

“We hope to do the same for Mason and we look forward to working with him and seeing and using his photos.”

Mason’s winning photo from the competition, along with the 11 runners up photos, features in the YCCRP’s 2027 calendar which is currently for sale.

The YCCRP have a limited number of these calendars and are selling them at pop up events at stations along the Hull to Scarborough line.

See their social media for details of dates and times.