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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Paul Britton

'He knows absolutely everything about the tram': The five-year-old boy who can tell you every one of Metrolink's 93 stops

Who needs Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol when you've got Pomona, Patricroft and Piccadilly?

Metrolink bosses made a five-year-old boy's day by presenting him with a specially-printed map of the entire Manchester tram network.

Theo Cochran, a regular visitor to his grandparents in Salford, adores trams.

The schoolboy, who has autism, knows every one of the Metrolink's 93 stops and the seven lines that comprise the sprawling, 60 mile-long network.

He was given the special gift after his mum, Beth Cochran, contacted Metrolink to ask where she could buy a copy of the system map.

Theo and his personalised map (Beth Cochran)

They live in Middlesbrough but regularly visit Beth's parents at their Salford Quays home - right near the Harbour City and MediaCity UK tram stops.

She said his love of trams has developed over the years.

The schoolboy, who has autism, knows every one of the Metrolink's 93 stops and the seven lines that comprise the sprawling, 60 mile-long network (Manchester Evening News)

"He used to sit at the window looking out at the trams running before all the buildings went up," Beth, 28, said.

"We try to visit as often as we can and he has just got into the trams over the years.

"There is nothing like it in Middlesbrough - just buses and trains."

He was given the special gift after his mum, Beth Cochran, contacted Metrolink to ask where she could buy a copy of the system map (Manchester Evening News)

Theo can recite which stop comes next when on board a tram and loves to travel the network.

Beth said: "His favourite one is Pomona because it is a good one to say. He is also into Etihad Campus.

"He knows absolutely everything about the trams and the network and often talks about it.

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"He loves to go on them when we are here and gets ever so excited. He's been everywhere on the network."

Beth said she enquired about getting a large copy of the Metrolink network so Theo could take a memento back home to the north east.

The Ashton line (Mark Waugh)

She said: "It was a long shot really. I messaged them to see if we could by a map and they went above and beyond.

"It was so kind and I can't thank them enough."

Rochdale town centre (Mark Waugh)

The map was delivered embossed with Theo's name.

He proudly keeps it on his wall next to his bed in his bedroom.

Transport for Greater Manchester's head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said Metrolink staff were happy to help and are delighted Theo's happy with his present.

He said "I was delighted to see how happy young Theo was with his personalised gift.

"Even though he's probably one of our youngest fans it sounds like he's one of our most knowledgeable.

"It looks like he has an excellent career in public transport mapped out for him."

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