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Wherever Andy Train goes he attracts a crowd. This former Hull Grammar School pupil is a performer who uses his skills to entertain, educate and inform. His 'regular' job is that of a Training and Development Officer for the NHS but has been involved in the health sector for many years having qualified as Registered Nurse in 1992.

Although now a trainer, he's still required to do some hands on nursing. Something he has no worries about, having worked in Hull Royal Infirmary's Accident and Emergency Department, he's prepared for almost every medical emergency.

He says moving to rural Driffield proved something of a contrast to working in the city. In his experience city folk readily seek treatment, often for mild ailments, but country people often fail to seek timely treatment even when severe conditions present themselves.

His comedy performances stem from his work. He delivers his training in humourous ways and it was in 2004 he decided to pack his bags for a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe, knitting together some of his 'routines' into a fully fledged show. He said it was an enjoyable experience which proved to be more competitive than he imagined.

He's involved in a number of areas including Gay Pride events in both Hull and Manchester. The latest of which was an event in Hull's West Park in August. Although plagued by bad weather, the event attracted a large crowd of local people and the support of local organisations such as Humberside Fire and Rescue.

Andy is proud of his 22 year association with St. John Ambulance and in his interview explains there's much more to the work that they do, both at home and abroad which members of the public are rarely aware of. In particular, the support they give to people in the Middle East.

The picture on this page represents another of Andy's interests. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway regularly plays hosts to weekends commemorating those who fought in the Second World War. People from all over the UK and mainline Europe travel to the area not only to dress up but also to act out everyday hustle and bustle of wartime Britain.

Andy recalls there was once a visit by a 'royal dignitary. from the low countries. One lady from Belgium knew only one English phrase which she greeted one and all with which caused some amusement from other participants. Andy says everyone who takes part has a wonderful time and many of the 'costumes' are in fact the real thing which are taken great care of by their owners and preserved as piece of living history.