VIRGIN Trains has just the ticket for parents searching for inspiration to keep their children busy this summer with the Rookies Academy, a series of free activity days taking place at Warrington Bank Quay.

Train fans aged between five and 11 can get hands-on experience in the station, on the platform and onboard.

This August, ditch the duck pond, turn off the tablet and give your little locomotive lovers the chance to see how the railway really works.

Rookies Academy activity days will offer children a range of exciting experiences, including the chance to make a station announcement, learn how to dispatch trains from the platform and meet a train driver for a tour of the driver’s cab onboard a Virgin Train.

Michael Byrne, Virgin Trains station manager at Warrington Bank Quay, said: “Every day we see lots of young train fans at our stations showing so much enthusiasm for the railway.

"Many of them tell us how they want to work on the railway when they grow up, so we are excited to be offering Rookies Academy during the summer holidays to help keep them entertained.

"Our Rookies will get some hands-on, real-life experience at our stations along our West Coast route. Make sure you pre-book your ticket to guarantee your place, as we’re unable to let Rookies in without one.”

Book your place on the Virgin Trains website from 10am on July 24 at

www.virgintrains.co.uk/rookies

.