‘Try the Train’ is a scheme set up to boost youngsters’ confidence and awareness when travelling by train.

This sets them up in later years when they travel to work or further afield on trips across the country using the rail network.

The Hereward Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has played host to the scheme and has arranged trips for local guides and brownies.

On Wednesday 29 May members of the 1st Doddington Guides and Brownies took part in a ‘Try the Train’ trip, which was organised by The Hereward Community Rail Partnership.

They travelled from March to Ely where they were treated to a tour of Ely before they attended career talks by members from the local train companies that operate in the area, those being CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Great Northern Railway and Thameslink.

There was also a quiz, which they all took part in.

Earlier the previous week, the charity FACET, based in March, arranged a trip similar also in partnership with The Hereward Community Rail Partnership.

This trip was aimed at youngsters and young adults with additional needs so they could also raise their confidence when travelling by train.

Accompanied with their carers, the group set off from March and travelled over to Peterborough, where they enjoyed a visit to the city’s museum and partook in a spot of lunch.

Both journeys were funded by Greater Anglia and CrossCountry’s Community Engagement Fund, which highlights their support of making the rail network accessible to all.

Managed by the Fenland District Council, The Hereward Community Rail Partnership works with train companies, rail user groups, station adoption groups and locals based along the Fenlands Hereward Line.

Together, they co-operate and engage with the local communities and also help to look after the five stations between Peterborough and Ely which also include Whittlesea, March and Manea.

“We wanted to help build confidence to travel by rail which can open doors to education, employment and endless leisure opportunities. It was wonderful to see the engagement and enthusiasm throughout both trips.”

CRP officer Joanne Rose

Additional information can be found on the Hereward Community Rail Partnership website.