Listed signal box reopens as training facility

A ceremony was held to hand over the keys to one of the oldest signal boxes still standing

The future of a historic signal box has been secured with an agreement to use it as a training facility.

A ceremony was held to hand over the keys to Par signal box in Cornwall, one of the oldest still standing, from Network Rail’s operations team to the maintenance team.

Built in 1878, the Grade II listed box was closed in March when a new digital signal system was launched.

The box will be used to help train signallers, with skills gained in mechanical signalling.

Network Rail Western section manager Paul Gardiner said: "We were honoured when asked to help preserve our railway history and bring Par signal box back to life.

"It will now become a valuable training base and help educate railway workers for years to come."