Thirty pupils and ten teachers from Rose Hill Primary School boarded a Greater Anglia train from Derby Road, Ipswich, to Felixstowe on 6 July and enjoyed a day out at the coast, sponsored by the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership (CRP).

The journey was a learning experience for the group of 4 and 5 year olds, many of whom had not travelled by train before. The trip fitted in with their current topic at school, ‘Where will my feet take me today?’.

The pupils were given activity books and goodie bags to help them learn about the environmental benefits of travelling by train, the green garden spaces being developed at stations in Suffolk, recycling, and maths through fun exercises and activities.

Aaron Taffera, Chair of the East Suffolk Lines CRP, said: “We were delighted to facilitate this trip for Rose Hill Primary School to promote the benefits of travelling by train and the easy links to the Suffolk Coast. We hope that the trip will encourage families to get out and about by train more during the summer holidays and beyond.”

Adam Wilson, Vice Principal of Rose Hill Primary School said: “The free tickets provided many pupils from Rose Hill Primary School with the opportunity to travel on a train for the first time. This enabled pupils to visit Felixstowe and explore the local area. The special announcement on the train tannoy welcoming them on board was a particular highlight for pupils and staff, as was having their individual tickets checked. I am grateful to Greater Anglia and the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership for providing such an educational and enjoyable day out.”