The Shade School pupils travelled from Soham to Ely on Thursday, February 6, in a trip organised by the Hereward Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and Greater Anglia.

At Ely, the children took part in a station safety quiz, a safety-focused tour of Ely station, and a ‘spot the red hare’ trail.

CRP officer Joanne Rose said: “We were delighted to host children from the Soham School to use their station and the train, for the first time since the station opened in 2021.

“There were some very nervous children when they got on the train but, by the end, their faces were beaming, and they were busy asking questions and comparing trains.

“The trip was really good for building confidence to travel by rail which can open doors to education, employment, and endless leisure opportunities.

“It was wonderful to see how much the children enjoyed the trip.”

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The children were selected for the trip because of their enthusiasm for trains and travel.

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s customer and community engagement manager, said: “This was a wonderful event, and we are very grateful to the Hereward Community Rail Partnership for the great work they are doing to put railways at the heart of the communities they serve, provide fun educational opportunities, and build confidence to travel.”

Year 4 teacher, Mrs Jackie Deal, said: “The children returned to school buzzing with excitement about the day and parents said it was all they could talk about when they got home.

“We are really grateful for the experience and hope to plan more in the future.”

The Hereward Community Rail Partnership works to engage local communities along Fenland’s Hereward Line between Ely and Peterborough.

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