An eight-year-old pupil from Telford has won a competition to name Network Rail’s new railway safety mascot, selecting ‘Choo Choo’ for the dog-shaped character.
Alessia, from Allscott Meads Primary School, won with a colouring entry and name suggestion. The school hosted Choo Choo’s first public appearance and naming ceremony during a special assembly attended by pupils and teachers.
Network Rail community safety manager Manny Kang presented the mascot and revealed the winning name. Alessia received a soft toy version of Choo Choo and other railway-themed items, while the school was given a trophy and certificate.
“I am so happy I won. I love Choo Choo the dog!!” Alessia said.
Mascot to support safety education
Network Rail said Choo Choo will be used across the West Midlands and surrounding areas to engage schoolchildren, families, level crossing users and dog walkers about staying safe around the railway.
Kang said the mascot was intended to attract attention at awareness days and community events, while also supporting safety discussions in schools.
“Choo Choo gives us that opportunity, but it also has a much wider benefit as we can take Choo Choo into schools and build on the safety conversations we are already having with children at a young age,” he said.
“Hopefully they will go home even more excited and tell their parents and families about Choo Choo and what they’ve learnt, helping us spread our safety messages even further.”
Allscott Meads headteacher Kirsty Parkinson said railway safety was “of paramount concern” to the school and described Network Rail’s visits as invaluable.
Langley Primary School in Langley Green and Foxyards Primary School in Tipton also took part in the colouring competition and submitted name suggestions. The schools were invited because of their ongoing work with pupils on level crossing safety.
A railway safety team shortlisted seven names before Network Rail colleagues voted for their favourite. Choo Choo will also visit the two schools to thank pupils for participating.
The mascot was created by Network Rail’s Central route level crossing team, which works across the West Midlands and surrounding areas to improve safety for level crossing users.