ON FRIDAY, July 12, the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways (FfWHR) welcome the whole of Ysgol Maenofferen infants and junior school to the station in Blaenau Ffestiniog for a train journey to Tan-y-Bwlch station.

The trip was organised as a “thank you” for the Blaneau Ffestiniog school’s part in the naming ceremony of the FfWHR’s newest double Fairlie, “James Spooner”, last autumn, where the school choir sang for invited guests.

The FfWHR’s general manager, Paul Lewin, said: “Having Ysgol Maenofferen take part in our event made it a very special occasion and we wanted to show our gratitude."

Year Six pupils Leia Reynolds and Mason Fretwell with the FfWHR’s youngest driver, Sam Mitchell.Year Six pupils Leia Reynolds and Mason Fretwell with the FfWHR’s youngest driver, Sam Mitchell. (Image: Submitted)

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More than 100 happy faces waved from the train as it left Blaenau Ffestiniog, behind loco, “Blanche”, for a picnic lunch at Tan-y- Bwlch station.

Teacher Mrs Jones said: “The journey went far too quickly; we were singing all the way in our carriage!”

Headteacher Aled Williams added: “The children have been very excited about the trip and a massive thank you to the FfWHR for making it possible.

“It is good to be part of event and activities on the railway.”

Pupil Mason Fretwell said he learnt a lot about the railway from books and from the railway’s interpretation boards.

He said: “I saw three other trains this morning, Lyd, Harlech Castell at Ddualt and Merddin Emrys.

“It has been a great day.”

A vote of confidence also came from year five pupils Sara, Megan and Beca, who said the school trip had been “great and amazing”.

Families in Blaenau Ffestiniog and the surrounding area will also have the chance to enjoy a train ride to Tan-y-Bwlch, as well as footplate rides, at the next community fun day on July 28.