Avanti West Coast has reached the halfway milestone for its target of giving 5,000 schoolchildren a day out by train through its Feel Good Field Trips initiative.

Launched in April 2022, Avanti West Coast has now taken 2,500 pupils aged between four and 18 on over 100 days out by train, opportunities they may not have previously had.

During their days out, the children enjoy hands-on learning as well as visiting culturally diverse destinations on Avanti’s network.

The honour of marking the 2,500th milestone went to a class of 30 Year 3 pupils from Beechwood Primary School in Crewe, who took the train to Liverpool where they visited the Royal Liver Building, enjoyed a ride on the Mersey Ferry, and explored some of Liverpool’s landmarks.

Avanti West Coast Managing Director, Andy Mellors, joined the schoolchildren on their trip to Liverpool and celebrated the milestone with the children at the top of the Royal Liver Building.

There, he unfurled a specially designed banner acknowledging Avanti’s participation and the thousands of young people who have benefitted from the initiative over the last two years.

Previous trips under the initiative include the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Stoke-on-Trent, outdoor adventuring in the Lake District, and art workshops at The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry.

The trips are facilitated by David Savage, of Community Rail Lancashire, and he was presented with a certificate to recognise his efforts in delivering the children’s days out.

Many of the children I’ve had the privilege to accompany had never before experienced rail travel or ventured beyond their hometowns ventured beyond their hometowns.

The best part of my job is witnessing the children’s wide-eyed excitement as they embark on adventures onboard Avanti West Coast’s train. Each trip offers a fresh and exhilarating experience.

As a former geography teacher, I understand the value of field trips in enhancing students’ learning experiences, which is why I’m immensely proud of the positive impact our Feel Good Field Trips have had – not only on the children who participate but also on the schools facing budget constraints and the cost of living challenges.

I’m delighted we’ll be offering even more exciting destinations for our trips and I’m filled with excitement and anticipation to continue providing enriching experiences for students across the West Coast Main Line.

David Savage, of Community Rail Lancashire

Connecting thousands of school pupils to opportunities they would never overwise have the chance to experience is what this initiative is all about, so we’re excited to have reached this latest milestone and send a big thanks to Dave at Community Rail Lancashire who has made it possible.

We’ve loved taking children from all backgrounds to destinations along our route, so they can discover something new, and we cannot wait to welcome another 2,500 onboard our trains to enjoy days out on the west coast.

Andy Mellors, Avanti West Coast Managing Director