The Romsey School and three Haslemere primary schools have been honoured as part of Network Rail's Rail Safe Wessex campaign.

The Romsey School, along with Haslemere's Camelsdale, Shottermill, and St Bartholomew's primary schools, were honoured at the formal launch of the initiative, which seeks to promote safe rail behaviours among young people.

Rail Safe Wessex is a long-term project that publicly recognises the efforts of local schools in working with the rail industry to ensure the safety of children.

Network Rail has collaborated with students from The Romsey School and artists to create artworks now proudly displayed at Romsey station.

For the past three years, Network Rail and South Western Railway have also delivered their "Try the Train" safety sessions to Camelsdale, Shottermill, and St Bartholomew's primary schools.

As part of this initiative, children are taken on the exact journey they will make when they transition to secondary school.

This includes catching a train from Haslemere to Liphook station and then walking to Bohunt secondary school.

Along the way, they meet and talk with station staff to understand what to expect and learn about the rail industry's efforts to keep them safe.

The Rail Safe Wessex campaign was launched at Haslemere station on September 23, with a plaque commemorating the schools' efforts.

Rail Safe Wessex Roll of Honour  (Image: Network Rail)

A similar plaque is also in place at Romsey station.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail's Wessex route director, said: "The railway is a dangerous place if used incorrectly.

"Trains weigh hundreds of tonnes and need the length of several football pitches to stop from full speed and there are hidden dangers as well, such as the electrified third rail."

He added: "Our Try the Train initiative helps to give schoolchildren a boost of confidence before they take the step up to secondary school, arming them with the practical knowledge they need to travel safely."

Jane Lupson, South Western Railway's safety and security director, said: "We’re delighted to be working with our colleagues at Network Rail to deliver a programme which is helping to teach schoolchildren about safety on the railway."

Simon Avenell, headteacher at St Bartholomew’s Primary School, said: "Rail safety is incredibly important for our children to learn about and we are pleased to be part of Network Rail’s initiative to promote positive behaviours."