Staff from Northern’s Heaton TrainCare Centre have helped repair a school’s railway classroom and built the pupils a level crossing.
The Dales School in Blyth needed some urgent maintenance to their retired pacer which they affectionally call their ‘STEM lab on wheels,’ – and called in the group led by Northern’s senior production manager Gary Barnes. The specialist primary school provides education for children with a variety of additional needs.
The team helped spruce up the classroom, fixing a leak in the roof and replacing some window seals.
The train, formerly operated by Northern, was donated by rolling stock owner and asset manager Porterbrook and placed on a short length of track donated and installed by Network Rail in 2021.
The Northern team also installed a ‘level crossing’ walkway and safety signs for the children so they can understand and practice railway safety.
Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern, said: “Our team are proud to be able to support the Dales School and it’s vital that children learn how to use the railway safely.
“At Northern, we aim to make a positive impact for the north east and the communities we serve.”
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
