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Boy, 7, visits every city in England by train

Family handout Ashley in a blue top and orange fluorescent hi-vis jacket and blue cap. He is wearing dark rimmed glasses. Sitting with him is Austin. He is also wearing an orange fluorescent hi-vis jacket with glasses on and a blue cap. Family handout
Ashley says his son has loved trains since he was two

A father and son have completed their quest to visit every city in England by rail.

Ashley and seven-year-old Austin, from Felixstowe in Suffolk, started the challenge in January with a first stop at Brighton, and ended the adventure in Ely in December, visiting all 55 cities.

Ashley, who will soon take up a new job in the railway sector, said his son has loved trains since the age of two.

"I might have underestimated it a little bit - there were times when I thought we had bitten off more than we could chew," said the 37-year-old.

Ashley has documented the pair's trips on social media, sharing a photo of his son in each city.

Family handout Austin, a boy with short brown hair who is holding an orange train ticket up to the camera. The journey on the ticket says from Brighton to Chichester. He is stood in front of a green train on a platform at a railway station and is wearing a blue coat.Family handout
The pair's travel adventures have been documented on social media, with a picture of Austin in each city

Towards the end of 2023, after finding out he had been to about 25 cities throughout the year, Austin decided 2024 would be the year they visited them all.

Ashley added: "For me, it's the time with Austin, and I spent a bit of time with my dad on the trains when I was younger so it brings back memories for me."

While the weather nearly derailed some of their plans, the duo decided York was their favourite destination.

Family handout Austin is in a blue coat and grey gloves. He is looking at the camera and smiling and is holding a white sign which says #55 Ely, 22/12/2024. Behind him is Ely cathedralFamily handout
The pair finally ticked off Ely - their final stop - on 22 December

Along the way, the pair toured around railway depots and had a go at train driver simulations.

"It hasn't just been the cities we've been to, it's been the people we've met along the way," explained Ashley.

LISTEN: Father and son visit every city by train

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