School trip saved by Northern employee after heatwave cancellation

The 58 students and staff from Woodside Academy had been due to travel to London for an end of term trip in July, but due to fires during the heatwave it was set to be cancelled. 

However, Lianna Bartle, who heard the news as her daughter attends the school, stepped in and asked if Northern could help. 

The train operator offered the children free travel to York for the day instead where they took part in a walking tour to see the sights, enjoyed a river cruise and visited the National Railway Museum. 

Lianna said: “It made me feel so happy. The kids had gone through so much in lockdown and missed so much, I was so pleased I could help and get them a day out. They were so happy and so were the staff at the school and the parents. 

“My daughter is only in Year 3, so she wasn’t involved, I just wanted to make all these sad children happy.”  

The rescued trip meant that staff and students were able to have a memorable day together before they move on the secondary school in September.  

Tony Baxter, regional director at Northern said: “I would like to say a huge well done to Lianna and the team for pulling together to save the day for these pupils to create lasting memories before they attend secondary school next year.  

“At Northern, we are proud to be a part of the communities we serve and aim to make a positive impact for the North.” 

Northern is the second largest train operator in the country, with nearly 2,000 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.