Pupils from three Worcestershire primary schools have used their imaginations to design the railway station of the future as part of a new art competition.

Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership (CRP), with support from Platform Rail Education, launched the competition as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations, as way to inspire children to think about sustainable transport and the environment.

The pupils, aged 7–11 from three participating schools, were invited to design an ‘Eco-Friendly Station of the Future’, imagining how stations might look 20 years from now.

The pupils looked at the history of the railway, from the first steam engines 200 years ago to today’s modern-day train network, to help create their own visions for greener, more welcoming stations.

Artwork featured ideas such as green roofs, solar panels, wildlife habitats, cycle hubs, community cafés and colourful public art, reflecting how railways and stations can further support both people and the planet.

Following a judging process by Artists Clubhouse, an overall winner was selected, and their artwork will be displayed at Bromsgrove Station.

The first-place winner also received a family train trip to London, with additional prizes and certificates awarded to runners-up and all participating schools. All children who took part received a Railway 200 certificate, recognising their creativity and contribution to the project.

Tom Painter, chair of Worcestershire CRP, said: “The ideas the children have shared are genuinely inspiring. Their artwork shows how clearly the next generation understands sustainability, community and the importance of rail in everyday life.

“As we mark 200 years of railways, their visions remind us that the future of rail is in very thoughtful hands.”

Katie Hall, head of year at St John’s C of E Middle School Academy, said: “Taking part in the project gave our school a valuable opportunity to enrich learning beyond the classroom. It strengthened links between different subjects, as the children were able to use and apply their Geography and PSHE knowledge of the environment and how to care for it.

“It was great to get involved in a local community project and make the children aware of the wider role of the West Midlands Rail Service. It was lovely for the children to see themselves as active participants who can make a meaningful difference.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Worcestershire CRP via their website.