A TINY train is giving a big boost to Maryport railway station.

Gen2 staff and apprentices designed and produced the bespoke little train planter which will add another and very appropriate splash of colour to the platform.

Community Rail Cumbria, Northern and the Maryporters group worked in partnership with Gen2 on the train which was put in place last week.

Students from Netherhall School also worked with the Maryporters to fill the planter and plant other shrubs and flowers at the station.

 The project was inspired by a train built by Tony Messenger, a trainer at Gen2 who sadly passed away.

Welding and fabrication trainer/assessor Simon Farrar set a challenge, as part of their course work, to a group of young apprentices (Steven Fiddler, Stephen Temple, Dylan Tuner, Tyler Harrel and Blake Miller) to design and build a bigger train to be used as a planter at the railway station.

Over a number of months, Simon and the apprentices took this from an idea to the final build.  

The official launch last week saw representatives from Community Rail Cumbria, Northern, ISS and The Maryporters who were all present to witness the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to Tony Messenger.

Following on from the success of this project, Community Rail Cumbria is now in the process of working with Gen2 on ideas for a future project at Whitehaven railway station.

Warren Birch, community rail partnership officer, said: “Working with Gen2 has provided a fantastic opportunity for both the apprentices and the world of rail, and a fitting tribute to Tony.

"The new links with Netherall Secondary School will hopefully see a newfound respect in the town for the railway station and surrounding areas, helping reduce anti-social behaviour.”