02.12.19
Northamptonshire teens safety film transformed into comic
A new comic book has been produced by Network Rail, based on the safety film ‘18’ with the help of pupils from Kingswood Secondary Academy in Corby.
The pupils were visited by Network Rail last summer and took part in safety workshops. They learnt about the risks of 25,000-volt overhead line equipment. The plot of the film was generated through these safety workshops with pupils aged 11-16 taking part.
Ideas from the pupils were then used to script a safety film – which they were lucky enough to see being filmed during a visit to the set. They also attended the premiere at BAFTA last July.
This was to make sure Network Rail hit their target audience and made the pupils aware that the railway line is being electrified in the area. This is part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade, which entails the electrification of the line from London to Kettering and Corby via Bedford.
Network Rail went back to the schools on Wednesday (Nov 27th) to hand out copies of the comic to the children that were involved. The comic was developed using the film’s storyline and will also be used to spread the life-saving safety messing a new way.
The original multi-award-winning original film ‘18’ has been viewed over five million times.
Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “The upgrade will bring huge benefits to passengers, however, the new equipment which will be used to power the trains carries 25,000 volts of electricity”.
“There is never an excuse to trespass on the railway. Safety is our top priority and we are really pleased that we could involve the pupils at Kingswood Secondary Academy in raising awareness of the dangers which trespassing on an electrified line can cause”.
Image: Network Rail