These days it seems like everyone’s twittering about Twitter, and in this new weekly column we delve behind the stories of some of our favourite Shropshire tweeters to find out more about them.

Edgmond-based writer and photographer @Tez_Pickthall has been passionate about trains and railways ever since he can remember.

A professional engineer by trade, Terry left his job at Bentley Motors last year for a change of direction, and now writes agricultural engineering guidelines for Harper Adams University College.

“Although I have an engineering background, I’ve always loved writing and photography,” he says.

“My main interest is railways, ever since my Dad used to take me on steam and diesel trains in the late 1970s.”

Terry’s since become actively involved in railway preservation and is currently a volunteer at the Llangollen Railway, as well as helping out with projects closer to home.

“When I heard that Telford and Wrekin Council were busy building a new railfreight terminal near my home, I asked them if I could write an article to help publicise the project in the railway press.

“They’ve given me enthusiastic support and I’ve been allowed to make several visits to the terminal throughout its construction – I think it’s a superb facility for the region’s economy.”

Over in Shrewsbury, communications consultant Ben Proctor, who tweets from @likeaword, is focussing on a different mode of transport.

Ben is one of three people who set up Re-Bike, an independent social enterprise based in Jackfield which aims to encourage people to be more active.

“We want to get people in Shropshire to cycle more,” says Ben. “A recent survey showed that 80 per cent of us get no exercise at all, and cycling is a fun, low-impact way to keep fit, as well as being ideal for all age groups – my 18-month-old niece just got on her first learner bike!

“It’s not about getting rid of the car,” explains Ben. “It’s just about promoting an exercise that’s good for our health and the environment.”

Ben has been cycling since he can remember and can often be found exploring the Shropshire countryside or popping into Shrewsbury for a spot of shopping on his bike.

Along with his colleagues, Ben hopes their Jackfield base will soon be able to offer a bike workshop as well as a fleet of bikes to enable them to take groups of people out cycling.

Ben says he mostly uses Twitter for his niche communications business, but has found the site extremely useful for Re-Bike too.

“We’re following a company in Vermont who are running a similar initiative to us, and it’s great to see what they’re doing and to share ideas.”

All kinds of businesses have been tapping into the networking potential of Twitter over the past few months, and one of our favourites is Shropshire law firm @LanyonBowdler.

Their Business and Marketing Manager, Amanda Jones, has been tweeting for Lanyon Bowdler since February.

She uses the site to post details of seminars they’re holding, events they’re taking part in and informal discussions on legal topics.

The firm were recently invited to speak on BBC Radio Shropshire as a result of a tweet about changes in holiday pay.

“We’re definitely not using it just to post boring comments about changes in the law!” says Amanda.

“We’re looking to build relationships and interact with local businesses and people.

“It’s a really easy way to keep abreast of the various goings on in Shropshire, as well as within our own industry.”

By Lara Page