SCHOOL children across mid and north Wales will be taught the dangers around level crossings and trespassing on railway lines in a bid to save lives.

A new collaboration between the Cambrian Railway Partnership and Rail Safe Friendly will see pupils from almost 100 primary and secondary schools, within 3km of the Cambrian Line, being taught about the dangers of trespassing on railways in order to raise awareness and prevent injuries.

Claire Williams, Cambrian Railway Partnership Development Officer, said, “The Cambrian Railway Partnership sees this as a significant priority as it has the most level crossings than any other line in Wales and as a result has invested in educating children and young people in how to be safe around the railways.

“We are delighted to be working with Rail Safe Friendly to deliver this programme to thousands of school pupils including youth groups such as scouts.”

Rail Safe Friendly, which is run by digital education provider Learn Live, was launched in March 2023 and delivers Network Rail’s video safety content directly to schools via the Learn Live Channel.

Already over 1,400 UK schools are on board with the programme and industry partners from across the rail sector have sponsored and become partners in it.

Stuart Heaton, Founder and Managing Director of Learn Live and Rail Safe Friendly, said, “We’re delighted to welcome the Cambrian Railway Partnership to the Rail Safe Friendly programme.

“Thanks to their support vital rail safety education will be delivered directly to hundreds of children living close to the Cambrian Line.

“It is a great testament to the Cambrian Railway Partnership’s investment in the communities that it serves that it is supporting Rail Safe Friendly to ensure young people are educated about the dangers of trespassing on the railway.”

The Rail Safe Friendly Programme for schools has three levels - bronze, silver and gold - which all require different elements for schools and pupils to complete including videos, a website and through social media channels.

Clare Williams added: “Rail is one of the safest forms of travel, however, safety incidents involving children still occur.

“This is why promoting safety on the railway is our top priority.

“We believe that the early engagement with young people will help prevent them taking unnecessary risks.

“They will be able to make smarter, more educated choices, when it comes to their safety and behaviour around level crossings and on trains.”