OREANDA-NEWS. Children at a school in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, took part in a presentation and quiz about railway safety yesterday (Tuesday 13 September) as part of an afternoon assembly.

Staff from Network Rail talked to children from Greyfriars Primary School in London Road, Kings Lynn, about the dangers of trespassing on the railway, how to stay safe at the station and how to use level crossings safely.

Staff also explained the dangers of being distracted when at the station or using a level crossing, for example by listening to music or using a mobile phone.

Kat O’Malley, Network Rail’s community safety manager for Anglia, said: “These days, most young people have a mobile phone and listen to music, which can be a distraction when using the railway. In Norfolk trains travel at speeds of up to 80mph, so not paying attention when near the railway can have serious consequences. Today we had the opportunity to talk to young children about how they can stay safe at the station or when using a level crossing.”

Diane Marshall, assistant head teacher, said: "This is particularly important to our children as many of them cross over level crossings on their daily journey to school. The rail safety presentation and quiz engaged them well. They answered all the questions enthusiastically and with a high rate of success. Much was learnt by all."

About Network Rail

Network Rail owns, manages and develops Britain's railway - the 20,000 miles of track, 40,000 bridges and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations (the largest of which we also run). In partnership with train operators we help people take more than 1.65bn journeys by rail every year and move hundreds of millions of tonnes of freight, saving almost 8m lorry journeys. We employ 36,000 people across Britain and work round-the-clock, each and every day, to provide a safe, reliable railway.