A Grand Adventure

In October, the Catcote Futures gang embarked on a grand day out, courtesy of Grand Central Rail.

Catcote Futures is a specialist further education college in Hartlepool, dedicated to supporting the SEND community.

For many of the adult learners, this complimentary trip marked their first-ever train journey. The excitement was palpable as they boarded the 9:24am Grand Central service from Hartlepool to York for a guided tour of the National Railway Museum.

Led by York ambassador Graham, the learners were able to find out more about trains and their rich history. The adventure continued with a complimentary visit to The Wonder Lab, a science and sensory experience within the museum, which, says teacher Lyndsay Turner, "We absolutely loved every minute of exploring.”

"Seeing our learners' faces from the minute the train arrived yesterday to them getting back to college was priceless,” says Lyndsay, “The staff and service from the minute we stepped on the train yesterday was absolutely outstanding", she adds, “They welcomed us and engaged with our learners, answering questions, chatting with them and supporting them to make them feel so special.”

Learner Adam, says: “We had the best day ever and want to say the biggest thank you to Rob Oerton from Grand Central, Martin and Graham the Ambassadors and all the staff who looked after us so well.