As part of the many exciting events taking place this year to celebrate 200 years since the start of the modern railway with the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, County Councillors in Shildon and Newton Aycliffe have joined forces with the Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway to give primary school children a treat.
Each child in schools located along the old railway line will be given a free copy of Little Loco’s Big Day written by local archaeologist, Caroline Hardie and illustrated by fellow archaeologist John Pickin.
This beautifully illustrated tale from the rails is about the opening of the pioneering Stockton & Darlington Railway on 27 September 1825 and features Little Loco and her friends, Herald the Horse, Wonky Waggons, George the Genius and Talented Timothy.
A special dedication at the beginning will encourage the next generation to be the bold, enterprising innovators of the future and help change the world for the better.
Each participating school will also receive a visit from the author who will not only read from the book, but run a series of Little Loco activities that help tell the inspiring story of S&DR.
The book is aimed at children aged 6-7 years old, but some activities can be adapted to suit younger and older ages, usually between Reception and Year 3.
Shildon and Dene Valley councillor, Shirley Quinn said: “I have immense pride for the heritage of the town that is the Cradle of the Railway. My father was a guard on the goods waggons and my earliest memories are of the shunters and the barriers at Mason Crossings.
“I hope that this story of the modern railway will inspire young people to fulfil their dreams and thrive.”
Fellow Shildon and Dene Valley councillor, Samantha Townsend added: “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the production of the Little Loco Goes to School books.
“It’s wonderful to see the story of the birth of the modern railway retold in such a creative way to inspire a new generation.”
Councillor Jim Atkinson of Aycliffe East said: ‘We are delighted and proud to share the story of the start of the modern railway in our region with our younger generation.
“This tale is about innovation, it is about pioneering engineering, it is about overcoming obstacles and about taking risks for the benefit of your community.
“The story of the Stockton & Darlington Railway is an inspiration to all of us and hopefully by providing this book and the activities in the schools, we can help create a generation of County Durham children who are our future pioneers and innovators.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
