Ahead of new overhead electric wires being powered up between Kettering and Wigston, Network Rail has been visiting schools.

They have been talking to the children at three schools about the dangers of playing on the railway and trespassing. 25,000 volts will be running through the section of line from Sunday 28th July.

Safety assemblies have been carried out at schools across Kettering at Millbrook Junior School, Barton Seagrave Primary School, and Rushton Primary School.

Network Rail has previously launched Harrison’s story, which is part of the ‘you vs train‘ campaign, highlighting the dangers trespassing poses to young people.

The installation of the overhead wires is part of a billion pound project to deliver faster and greener services for passengers travelling between London and the East Midlands.

“The railway through Northamptonshire and Leicestershire is going through some big changes in the coming weeks and it is crucial that we teach children the importance of staying safe around it.

“The Midland Main Line is a major arterial route from Sheffield and Nottingham, through the East Midlands, and into London St Pancras, with hundreds of trains per day travelling through Kettering. Trespassing on the railway is incredibly dangerous, but there will soon be live electric wires overhead which adds an extra risk to people if they misuse the railway.

“Delivering these safety sessions is vital in helping Network Rail educate young people of the dangers that the railway can pose, and it was great to see how engaged students were.”

Hayley Manners, Network Rail’s community safety manager in the East Midlands

“We always welcome visitors who can share important safety measures to complement the vital work we do in school to keep our pupils safe and healthy. Network Rail’s presentation was informative and enjoyable and I want to thank them for visiting Millbrook Junior School and delivering such an important message.”

Danielle Warren, headteacher of Millbrook Junior School in Kettering