Apprentices from the Marches Centre of Manufacturing & Technology (MCMT) (www.mcmt.co.uk) have helped to create a new Arts Trail.

The training centre (along with shareholder partner Grainger & Worrall) was challenged by Bridgnorth Council to produce a casting representing the famous ‘Catch Me Who Can’ locomotive, which pulled the world’s first train for fare-paying passengers and was built in the town in 1808.

Matthew Snelson, managing director of MCMT (and director of Grainger & Worrall), said: “This was a fantastic project for our apprentices to take part in — and a great way for them to apply their learning to something that will be seen by thousands of local people and tourists.

"We gave the eight-strong team — all aged between 17 and 23 — the responsibility to lead from the very start of the commission, exploring different casting methods, taking advantage of the latest simulation technology and seeing what it means to work together and meet deadlines.

"The end result is fantastic and more than surpasses what the Council first envisaged.”

The ‘Catch Me Who Can’ Arts Trail was officially launched at the end of July, with 12 iconic statues positioned at landmark viewpoints in the town.

Councillor Sarah Stevens said: “The Arts Trail harnesses the talents of apprentices at the Marches Centre and local artists, who have used their skills to individually paint each statue.

“Companies have also come forward to sponsor each statue.”