Slough Station staff were treated to a festive hamper by school children, thanking them for keeping the railway open and running through the Christmas period.

The year 3 pupils from Wexham Court Primary School in Slough thought that the Great Western Railway team at Slough station deserved to benefit from their special Christmas collection recognising their excellent work and the fact that they would be working over the Christmas period, missing time away from their friends and family members.

The pupils, who are all from Egypt Class, paid a visit to the station on Tuesday, delivering the special Christmas hamper which was crammed with cakes, crisps, sweets and goodies.

Headteacher, Navroop Mehat said: “It is important for all of us to appreciate that while we are at home on Christmas days, others will be working to keep us safe. Our children are so caring, they wanted to say thank you. The response we have had and the many thanks has made it worth it.”

Duty Station Manager, Vicky Norbury said: “It was such a lovely surprise – we were completely taken aback. Working throughout the pandemic has been challenging, so for the schoolchildren to present us with a hamper was a real tonic.

“We were especially touched by the letter – it was so sweet. We’ve already shared out the hamper and colleagues were extremely grateful. It’s so lovely for the school to have provided some Christmas cheer in the run-up to the festive season.”

Alongside the special hamper, the station colleagues received a letter from the pupils addressed to ‘all the staff at Slough Station’ which thanked them for all of their hard work and helping to keep the transport system on the move.

The letter went on to say: “We know that you will be busy working over the Christmas holidays and will be spending time away from your own friends and family. Thank you for making it possible for us to travel to see loved ones during the holidays.

“As a small token of appreciation, Year 3 Egypt Class have collected some treats for you to enjoy. A huge thank you for your dedication.”