IT WAS a birthday to remember for a first-time Oswestry author in his 80s as he got to meet fellow steam railway aficionado and music mogul Pete Waterman.

The former Popstars and Pop Idol judge, who is also the man who gave Kylie Minogue her first singing hit, has shared his love of steam engines in the past.

And this is a passion shared with 89-year-old Oswestry author Paul Evans, who presented the music man with a copy of his first-ever book ‘Steaming Through Life’, a career memoir.

A family spokesman for Mr Evans said: “It was a day to remember for Paul when he met record producer and songwriter Pete Waterman at a recent railway event, and on his 89th birthday.

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“Paul presented Pete, who was a steam locomotive fireman before he joined the music industry and is still a great railway enthusiast, with a copy of his book ‘Steaming Through Life’ based on his own career on the railways.

“The two were able to compare notes on their lives on the railway.

“It was the closure of Wolverhampton depot in 1963 which drove Pete to try to emulate his heroes, the Beatles, and make his way in music.

“Paul too had a change of career but like Waterman he always retained his deep love of steam engines and continues to work as an active member of Cambrian Heritage Railways in Oswestry.

Dave Andrews, who worked as editor on Paul’s book, added: “It’s always wonderful to publish your first book but it’s an especially great achievement at the age of 88.

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“Paul’s book is written with tremendous energy and enthusiasm and his story captures a period in the history of the railways which was almost lost.

“I’m delighted for him.”

Paul’s book is available from Cambrian Heritage Railways and Branchstow Books (www.branchstow.co.uk) or from Paul himself via jennyevans1951@gmail.com £8.99 + p&p.