The Midlands' biggest train operator is inviting children to design a poster illustrating the dangers of trespassing on the railway as part of a new campaign to discourage trespass and vandalism.
The Central Trains drive - called "Don't hit a dead end - have a train of thought" - invites youngsters, aged between eight and 15, to design a poster that will be displayed at the main stations in Birmingham, Coventry, Nuneaton and at all local stations across the West and East Midlands.
More than 30 people have already been killed this year while trespassing on the UK railway network. Five of them were in the West Midlands and two in the East Midlands and all were aged between 14 and 18.
Steve Banaghan, Central Trains managing director, said: "This is a campaign which needs to bring the message home to the youngsters that a station should not be used as a place to hang out, like a park."
The poster competition is divided into two categories: Eight to 11 years and 12 to 15 years.
Entries should be sent to Central Trains, Press Office, PO Box 4323, Birmingham, B2 4JB by this Friday, August 12.
Winners will receive complimentary family tickets to either Alton Towers or ThinkTank and a framed certificate. A selection of entries will also be reproduced in The Birmingham Post.
