Apprentices are the driving force behind what will be only the second mainline steam locomotive to be built in Britain since 1960.

Sheffield-based William Cook Cast Products Ltd will cast and machine the eight 6ft2in-diameter driving wheels for No 2007 Prince of Wales — and it has handed full responsibility for the project to its apprentices.

The engine will be built over the next seven years by the P2 Steam Loco Co in Darlington, and William Cook has been confirmed as the supplier of the steel castings, having previously provided the casting for Tornado.

Andy Cox at William Cook said: “The Prince of Wales wheel project has been handed to our apprentices to sort out from method through to moulding — every aspect of the job. It will involve all the apprentices on site, and they have to think on their own; they are not being told what to do.”

Semta’s Apprenticeship Service (www.semta.org.uk) helps William Cook to recruit apprentices. Its chief operating officer, Ann Watson, said: “This is a fantastic real-time projet for the company’s apprentices to work on.

"They have an opportunity to create a piece of history and showcase the talents of our young engineers.”

There are currently 21 Semta apprentices at William Cook.