Train operating company Lumo has awarded Noah Spencer, aged 7, the winner’s prize for his poem about Christmas time in Newcastle.

The competition invited local children to write about the festive season in the city.

Noah is a pupil at Benton Park Primary School in the north east of the city, and his poem – which starts with ‘Christmas in Newcastle is really fun, The people are friendly, ask anyone’ – was chosen for the way it captures ‘Christmas in the Toon’.

The twelve-line verse name-checks several local landmarks, including the Angel of the North, St James’ Park football stadium and Freeman hospital.

Noah’s winning poem will be read aloud on the train this week, which Lumo hopes will provide a warm welcome for passengers arriving at Newcastle station for a Christmas visit.

Noah also won five free train tickets to travel with his family between Edinburgh and London in 2024.

Noah’s Poem

Christmas in Newcastle is really fun

The people are friendly, ask anyone

The Angel of the North stands tall and proud

While at St James’ Park, there’s a cheering crowd

Sparkling lights brighten up Northumberland Street

Pop into Greggs for a festive treat

Fenwicks window is exciting to see

And after you can go for a scrumptious tea

People work hard in hospitals day and night

Brightened by the Freeman Hospital lights

Boxing day match, come on the Toon!

Howay up here, very soon!

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Lumo, said, “We loved receiving so many great and heartwarming entries from children across the city. Newcastle is certainly home to some budding wordsmiths! Noah’s entry was chosen for the way it captures the spirit of Christmas in Newcastle – from the cheering Boxing Day crowds at St James Park, to the enchanting display in Fenwick’s window.

“We’ve no doubt that his words will bring a smile to those travelling on our trains in the lead up to Christmas. We can’t wait to share Noah’s poem and we hope it shines a spotlight on the festivities of our city.”