SCHOOL children have created eye-catching artwork to adorn the build site for Worcester's brand new train station.

Youngsters from Norton Juxta Kempsey CE First School put pen to paper to draw visuals to be used on hoardings surrounding Worcestershire Parkway’s construction site when work begins.

The station, which will include a single platform on the Cotswold Line and two platforms on the Birmingham to Bristol Line, is currently expected to be complete in March 2018.

The children saw Worcestershire’s rail history brought to life during an educational visit hosted by Worcestershire County Council and SLC Rail.

Looking through Worcestershire’s rail history from 1850 to present day, Year 1 pupils were tasked to consider what makes the perfect train journey and then bring those ideas to life.

Year 2 pupils focused on careers in engineering, rail, project planning and budgeting.

The designs for the hoardings will be chosen in the new year, in preparation for when clearance works start on site.

Sam Uren, a civil engineer at SLC Rail and project lead for the county council on the Parkway project, said: “Worcestershire Parkway is a major investment for the region and it is important that everyone understands what this means for the future.

"As the build site is just down the road from the school, it is very important that the children understand the dangers of a live construction site and in particular the danger of the railways.

“Although there was a serious message to the visit, Worcestershire Parkway will be a focal point for the local community and we want to work with as many local partners as possible, including the region’s future talent.”

Sarah Marshall, Key Stage 1 class teacher, said: "Learning about Worcestershire’s past, present and future is key to the children’s learning this term and we found the visit very informative.

“We cannot wait to see the finished designs.”

Cllr Ken Pollock, cabinet Member for economy, skills and infrastructure at the county council, said: "We were really keen to work with the local school and involve them in the design of the hoardings that will surround the site. I look forward to seeing what creative ideas and designs the pupils come up with to represent their perfect train journey."