Batley station in West Yorkshire has unveiled a display of artwork by local schoolchildren.

In late 2022, pupils from five West Yorkshire schools were challenged to draw pictures inspired by the history of the railway in Batley and future improvements which will be delivered by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

A panel of judges chose the winner: Hamnah Nazim from Lydgate Junior and Infants school, whose drawing depicts the benefits that the TRU will offer to the passengers of the future. Hamnah’s drawing will now be displayed on the compound area next to Batley station, alongside pictures submitted by fellow students and other pupils from local schools.

The panel of judges consisted of Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, Friends of Batley Station Chair Gwen Lowe, and two representatives of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, Construction Lead Nick Martin and Social Value Lead Ann Duffy.

Batley is located eight miles south west of Leeds on the main line to Huddersfield and Manchester, and as part of the TRU, its station will receive major upgrades to make it fully accessible. A footbridge and lifts will connect the two platforms.

Network Rail is confident that TRU will “revolutionise” rail travel across the north of England, by facilitating faster and more frequent trains, and an electrified railway that will be cleaner and more environmentally-friendly.

Earlier this week, on 16 May, Network Rail published its new sustainability strategy, for the upgrade of the Transpennine Route, which runs between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester. The strategy focuses on delivering environmental benefits, social value and employment opportunities for local people.

By the middle of the current decade, Network Rail aims to have electric local services running between Manchester and Stalybridge. Although most of the TRU’s benefits will be realised by the early 2030s, the project as a whole will not complete until the period 2036 to 2041. It is expected to cost £9bn-£11.5bn.

Sarah Thompson, Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “We had a fantastic day celebrating the new artwork at Batley station this week and I’d like to say a big thank you to all the local schools and pupils that took part in the colouring competition.

“The judging proved to be difficult, owing to the amazing drawings that were submitted and this showed just how much passion the children have for local transport and the railway. It’s an honour to be involved and I’m really pleased that passengers at Batley station can enjoy the brilliant artwork.”

“For me, this emphasises the benefits the Transpennine Route Upgrade will offer future generations, allowing them to enjoy faster, more frequent trains running along a cleaner, greener, more reliable railway.”