Train operator, Thameslink, is challenging children to get creative during the lockdown and take part in a train-themed art competition.

Thameslink and the Bedford to St Alban’s Community Rail Partnership, have partnered with City Fiction to launch a series of competitions to keep children entertained.

The first competition focuses on VE Day to commemorate the 75th anniversary.

Forty-four schools near Thameslink stations on the Bedford to St Albans route have been invited to get involved.

For the short story competition, children have been challenged to submit a story of no more than 500 words on the topic of The Train Home.

The 8 – 11-year-old age group have been asked to write about the thoughts of evacuated children coming home after the war.

Children aged 12 to 15 have the task of writing about the thoughts of servicemen and women returning home after the war.

The winner in the 8 to 11-year-old category will win a family ticket for Globalls crazy golf and the winner of the 12 to 15-year-old category will win to a family return trip on Volk’s Electric Railway.

Entries for the competitions close on the 11th May. Entries need to be sent to [email protected]

What did the officials say?

Thameslink and Great Northern Managing Director, Tom Moran, said:

We play a proud part in the communities we serve and now, more than ever, we want to offer parents a helping hand in keeping children occupied and people connected as the lockdown continues. It feels particularly important to commemorate VE Day and remember the sacrifices made, especially as many gatherings and special events have been called off this year.

Bedford-based author and City Fiction founder, Tony Drury, who will be judging the competition with his team, said:

The City Fiction authors are delighted to be involved in this innovative competition and relish the thought of reading the entries.

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