The infamous Pacer trains had become something of a laughing stock on the North East rails towards the end of their working life - but one Northumberland school has come up with an ingenious plan to make use of two former carriages.
The Dales School in Blyth is currently in the process of refurbishing the train into two carriages that will then be used to help in the education of pupils.
The Dales is a specialist primary school operating on two sites in Blyth and Ashington, providing education to children with additional needs.
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The first carriage will be made into a library carriage, providing a quiet space for children to develop their reading skills and to develop adult skills, encouraging parents to read to their children.
The second carriage will be a STEM and rail safety carriage, used to offer IT & STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills and as a regional hub for rail safety training.
The Dales deputy headteacher Sally Collins along with teacher and project leader James Groundwater explained why the train would be useful for pupils
Sally said: "A lot of the children here don't use worksheets. We like practical learning.
"There's going to be a simulator to actually simulate driving the train and things like that, allowing the children to use their creativity to lead into their writing and reading, and STEM."
James added: "A lot of our children don't have the role models in employment, but there is a lot they can do.
"Trans-Pennine express and Northern have offered us free rail travel, but before our children do it in the first place they need that experience of processing how they do it."
The project was the subject of a visit by Blyth Valley MP Ian Levy last Friday, who is hoping to find more local businesses to support the school's work.
The school needs capital funding to make the carriages warmer and more weather-proof.
Mr Levy said: "Staff at the school have done an incredible job getting this innovative project to where it is now but they still need to raise up to £30k to finish the second carriage.
"It would be great if Blyth Valley businesses could get behind this project with either financial support at any level or help in kind with materials or expertise. If anybody can help please get in touch with the school or with my office."
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