The Community Rail Education Network has been working with Freightliner driver Bessie Matthews on an adventure story to teach young people about rail safety.
The book, entitled ‘Arlo’s Adventures: There and Back – A pick-a-path railway safety book, follows Arlo and his friends on a day out as they make safe choices around the railway. Arlo’s Adventures has been written and illustrated by Bessie, who wanted to raise funds for charity and create more awareness of the dangers of the railway for children.
Funded by the Community Rail Network, Scotrail and Freightliner, the book has been sent to several hubs across the country who will be storing and distributing copies. Throughout the summer, Education Network officers will also be handing out the books along with Backtrack Competition sheets at stations across the UK, including at the main launch at London Kings Cross station (date TBC), where author Bessie will be signing copies.
Karen Bennett, Chair of the Education Network, took a lead on the project and is delighted with the results. She said: “This is such a beautiful children’s story. Each time I read it, I discover something new on every page. The illustrations are beautiful, and I know the book will be popular with children and adults alike.”
If your adoption group or community rail partnership would like some copies to hand out at an event or pass onto your local school, you can contact the relevant officer:
- North West (and any main enquiries): Karen Bennett at Community Rail Lancashire – karen.bennett.crl@gmail.com
- North East: Fiona Forsythe at Tyne Valley CRP – fiona@tvcrp.org.uk
- South West/Wales: Emilie Dawson from Platform Education Programme – emilie@raileducation.org.uk
- South East: Maddy Mills at South East CRP – maddy@southeastcrp.org
