A metal sculpture of a woolly mammoth created by local students has been unveiled at Creswell Station.

12 students aged 14-16 from Heritage High School in Clowne and The Bolsover School were given the opportunity to learn fabrication and welding in an authentic workshop environment, gaining knowledge and transferrable skills to take with them as they move on to work, apprenticeships or further education.

The project was part of the ‘Fusion Learning’ project partnership between the Robin Hood Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP), Bolsover District Council, Engineered Learning, East Midlands Railway, Direct Education Business Partnership, Community Rail Network and CrossCountry.

Over the course of 24 sessions, the students designed the mammoth and produced prototypes before creating the final, large-scale model – with all those involved completing the course and receiving a certificate in fabrication.

Arron Johnson, community rail officer for the Robin Hood Line CRP, said: “There is a national shortage of skilled fabricators and engineers, so this was an excellent opportunity for the Robin Hood Line CRP to link up with partners to provide a fantastic opportunity for local young people and lever in match funding from multiple sources.

“This is a project that we are very proud of and will look to secure funding for year on year. It’s a great example of the strategic work the CRP can offer, linking communities to the rail network, helping multiple partners achieve their goals and targets, and raising young people’s aspirations and options for career opportunities.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Robin Hood Line CRP via their website.