A Guides group has been the latest group to enjoy a day out organised by an initiative which aims to boost young people’s confidence in rail travel.  

The Hereward Community Rail Partnership hosts ‘Try A Train’ trips, which were launched earlier this year to engage local communities along Fenland’s Hereward railway line.  

Doddington Guides and Brownies and March-based charity FACET, which supports adults with additional needs, have already enjoyed a trip, and earlier this month it was Manea Guides turn.   

For the experience, the girls travelled by train from Manea to Peterborough, where they visited Railworld, Peterborough Museum, and walked around the Peterborough Cathedral gardens.  

They also received Hereward Community Rail Partnership goodie bags and rail safety information.  

Cllr Chris Seaton is the Chairman of the Hereward Community Rail Partnership and Portfolio Holder for Transport at Fenland District Council. 

He said: “Rail travel can open doors to education, employment and endless leisure opportunities so I’m delighted the community rail partnership is hosting these ‘Try A Train’ trips to build confidence in travelling by rail.  

“They’re also a great way to connect people with their local railway and promote social inclusion.” 

Greater Anglia provided the group with rail passes for the journey.  

Alan Neville, a customer and community engagement manager for the train company, said: “The railway is a vital link for communities to access a range of services, and for leisure and work, so we were really pleased to be involved in this initiative to help young people experience the fun and ease of travelling by train.” 

The Hereward Community Rail Partnership is managed by Fenland District Council in partnership with train operators, railway user groups, station adoption groups and local residents who help look after Fenland’s Hereward Line and its five stations (Peterborough, Whittlesea, March, Manea and Ely).  

For more information, visit the Hereward CRP website.