South West Trains reward for hard work
Schoolchildren from Cottage Grove Primary School in Portsmouth joined staff from the South West Trains Network Rail Alliance on a special trip to London recently to mark the launch of the train operator's half-term travel offer.
The 47 children and their five teachers were nominated by ‘Pompey in the Community’ as being worthy recipients of a pre-half term treat.
The South West Trains Network Rail Alliance invited them onto the 09:54 train from Fratton to London Waterloo.
They then went to visit the sharks, turtles and penguins courtesy of the Sea Life London Aquarium.
Arthur Pretorius, customer services director for the South West Trains Network Rail Alliance said: “To mark the launch of our autumn half-term train ticket offer we invited a group of schoolchildren from Portsmouth to the capital for the day.
“It was a great success with many happy smiling faces, but it's not just the children from Portsmouth who can benefit this October.
“With the launch of our half-term 50 per cent off offer, families from across the south-west can enjoy a cut-price day out.
“Also, with this autumn's offer coinciding with the London 2for1 offer, a half-term treat for the family is now more accessible than ever.”
Adam Lea from Pompey in the Community added: “The Year 6 children who came along have taken part in the South West Trains Network Rail Alliance-funded ‘Off The Rails’ project and have been learning about railway safety and respect.
“As a reward for their hard work, they have been able to travel to London on the train, living out what they have learnt in class.
“On top of that, thanks to the generosity of the Sea Life London Aquarium, they have also had the chance to visit a major national attraction, something that will live long in their memories.”
The children were also joined on the journey by Community Rail Officers, who took the opportunity to remind the children about the important safety messages they had been taught during their 'Off the Rails' lessons.
Polly Honeychurch, headteacher from Cottage Grove Primary School said: “We are delighted that our children are having a chance to visit London.
“Many of them have never been on a train before and they were all really excited about being able to take part in this trip.
“We are grateful to South West Trains and London Aquarium for providing this opportunity for our children and I am looking forward to reading the writing this will inspire.”
The half-term campaign offers 50 per cent off all standard off-peak day returns from October 24-31. Discounts apply to both adult and child tickets.
Tickets will be available to book up to 24 hours in advance from ticket offices, telesales and on the South West Trains website.
The October campaign runs at the same time as the London 2for1 offer providing even greater discounts for families wanting to make the most of half-term.