Pupils from a Carlisle school visited the city depot of Direct Rail Services to learn more about the firm.
Austin Friar students were shown round the firm’s Kingmoor depot as as part of Rail Safety Week 2026.
They toured the site and learn more about how DRS operates safely on the railway.
The school, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in the next academic year, contacted the DRS team to share how they had been learning about the history of Carlisle’s railways, and if members of the Chadwick History Society could visit.
With safety at the heart of DRS’s operations, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to bring that learning to life.
To mark the occasion, DRS partnered with livery specialists Ast to create a unique gift for the pupils.
In recognition of the school’s anniversary, Ast produced bespoke model locomotives in Austin Friars’ colours, featuring both a Class 68 and Class 88. These were presented to the pupils during their visit.
The five pupils were given a behind-the-scenes look at railway operations. The visit included a tour of the engineering facility, an opportunity to step inside a locomotive cab, and a visit to the control room – showcasing how the network is safely managed and operated in real time.
Chris Hattam, Austin Friars head, said: “I would like to thank DRS for welcoming us so warmly to enjoy a tour of the depot.
“The pupils learnt so much about the history and contemporary nature of the industry and all that goes into running such an operation. It was a genuinely educational visit for them all.”
Tony Hewitson, interim rail director at Nuclear Transport Solutions, DRS’s operator, said: “Rail Safety Week is an important opportunity for us to engage with our local communities and demonstrate the measures we take every day to keep the railway safe and reliable.
“It was a pleasure to welcome pupils from Austin Friars to Kingmoor and give them a behind-the-scenes look at our operations.
“Inspiring young people to understand both the heritage and the future of rail is vital, and we hope visits like this encourage the next generation to consider a career in the industry.”
