School children in Leicestershire have been learning about the importance of staying safe around railways through a poster competition run by Network Rail.

Network Rail ran the competition as it is carrying out major upgrade work to the Midland Main Line which runs close to the children’s school, Kibworth Church of England Primary School. Through the competition the children found out about the importance of not trespassing on the railway, the dangers of electrified lines, and how to use level crossings safely.

As part of the upgrade work, Network Rail has installed a temporary bridge over the railway by Grammar School bridge, which is a popular route for children and their parents walking to and from the school. It was necessary to demolish the existing Grammar School bridge to allow a new bridge to be built that is high enough for overhead electric lines to be installed underneath it to supply power to the new bi-mode trains that will operate on the line.

The poster competition at the school encouraged the pupils to design safety posters that have been added to the temporary footbridge, and act as a constant reminder to pedestrians of all ages of the importance of railway safety.

The children’s posters have all been judged and the competition winners were William in third, Alfie in second, and Olivia’s entry being chosen as winner. Contractor AmcoGiffen, who will instal all of the entries on the bridge, provided a book voucher for each of the three winning students .

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said: “This kind of engagement is invaluable to us at Network Rail, and we love the opportunity to positively influence children and young people about the importance of railway safety.

“The pupils at Kibworth CofE primary school have done a brilliant job designing their safety posters and we think we have chosen three worthy winners. Students should be so proud of their posters and their contribution to reminding the local community about staying safe near the railway.”

Simon Pritchard, Project Manager for AmcoGiffen, said: “As a rail contractor, ensuring safety isn’t just a priority on our projects but extends to our commitment to support local schools with rail safety awareness. We’re delighted to partner with Network Rail and work with the pupils at Kibworth CofE, helping to promote railway safety with young people and throughout the community.

“We were very impressed with all the entries and send our congratulations to the three winners.”