A RAILWAY has launched an initiative to offer educational train trips for children.

The Wensleydale Railway, at Leeming Bar, lets pupils learn while they travel by completing a workbook, linked to the national curriculum.

The Learndays project, which works with schools, is aimed firstly at the foundation stage in nursery and primary schools.

It will be followed up shortly with packages, developed for children at key stages one and two.

Developed in conjunction with a local teacher, Learndays activities include writing, word recognition and various exercises all presented in a workbook to be completed on the train.

"The workbook itself is presented in a fun manner - so that the children will be unaware they are learning," said marketing manager Emma Haley.

Ideas are also suggested to teachers and parents about how the project can be taken back home or to the classroom for further development.

"Learndays journeys depart from Leeming bar or Leyburn stations and travel along the 12 miles of track to the other station," said Ms Haley.

"The journey takes 45 minutes each way and there is plenty to see and do at each station.

"A warm and dry area can be provided in our static buffet car at Leeming Bar for school groups to eat their packed lunches."

Current services run until October 31 and bookings are now being taken for school groups.

The programme will also be available next spring and summer.

School group prices, which include an workbook and pencil for each child, are £8 for adults, £5.50 for children and £2.50 for the under-fives.