The Dutchman kidnapped in Mali in November 2011 and freed by French special forces soldiers in April is retraining as a train driver.

Sjaak Rijke was a train driver when he was seized in Timbuktu during a ‘dream trip’ with his wife across the Sahara. His wife managed to escape the hostage-takers.

The 55-year-old Rijke said on his release that he wanted his old job back. He will now retrain to bring his skills up to date, Dutch railway’s Erik Trinthamer told broadcaster Nos.

‘He can still drive a train and did so for us for many years,’ Trinthamer said. ‘He is now undergoing medical checks and will then begin a special training programme.’

Trinthamer said that if all goes according to plan, Rijke will be back in his old job at the beginning of 2016.

Rijke himself has given no interviews since his release from captivity.