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ALSO IN ATTENDANCE
THE YOUNGEST QUALIFIED DIGGER DRIVER IN THE UK
Thirteen-year-old Finlay Gallagher has officially become the youngest qualified digger driver in the UK, after passing his Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) test with flying colours. The schoolboy, who trains during his holidays, demonstrated skill far beyond his years on a JCB backhoe loader at Flynne Plant Training Centre in Essex.
For Finlay, this isn’t just a hobby, it’s a family legacy. His grandfather, Pat Gallagher, founded Gallagher Group over 50 years ago with nothing but a JCB 3C Mk2 and sheer graft. Today, the firm boasts more than 300 machines and a 500-strong workforce across the South East. Finlay’s dad, Stephen, now a Director at the company, hopes his son will one day join the family business full-time.
“I’ve been obsessed with diggers since I was about three,” says Finlay. “My grandad used to let me sit on his lap in the dozer and steer while he worked the pedals. Now I’ve got the ticket to drive one properly, I couldn’t stop smiling when I passed.”
Pat Gallagher summed it up best: “Finlay’s always been passionate about plant. Watching him pass this course and take to the machine so naturally gives me real hope for the next generation.”