Worcestershire teenagers are being invited to help warn others about trespassing on the railway, and win prizes along the way.
The Backtrack campaign has been launched by the Community Rail Network after a 25% increase in trespassing during lockdown.
The Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership and West Midlands Railway are encouraging youngsters aged between 11 and 18 to take part in the campaign by creating a video, song, rap or storyboard which shares the anti-trespassing message.
Six winners of the competition will receive a GoPro camera, while anyone living in Worcestershire will also be entered into a prize draw to win music vouchers courtesy of the Community Rail Partnership.
Peter Chapman, from the Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership, said: “Getting the anti-trespass message across to teenagers is so important, particularly at this time of lockdown easing.
“Our Community Rail Partnership is delighted to be able to support locally this national initiative from the Community Rail Network.”
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “Trespassing on the railway is extremely dangerous. It causes thousands of hours of delays every year and can result in serious injury or death. The penalty for going on the railway is a fine of up to £1,000.
“I am pleased to support this campaign by Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership and the wider Community Rail Network, and I look forward to seeing the creative efforts of our young passengers.”
Entries close on September 30. Videos must be recorded from the children’s home or garden – not near the railway; the videos must also not contain any violence.
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