Gayhurst pupils help Virgin Trains decorate Euston Station’s Christmas tree

Children from Gayhurst Community School, London Fields, helped Virgin Trains’ staff decorate the Christmas tree that will light up Euston Station during the festive season.

Year 4 children (8 and 9 year-olds) were chosen to assist with the decoration after Virgin Trains approached Inspire! to invite along a local school.

There was great excitement at Euston as the Gayhurst pupils decked the tree with tinsel and baubles before the switch-on of the lights. Some enthusiastic carol singing helped to raise the level of anticipation. There was even time for Liam Rainey, Virgin Trains’ Staff Event Planner, to take the children and their teachers for a quick tour of the First Class carriage aboard a train.

“I liked decorating the tree,” said Zara (8). “And I liked the chocolate,” added Selihon (8) in a reference to the chocolate coins that were given out to all of the children.

Liam Rainey said: “Last year, we invited a local school along to help decorate the tree. As we have been working with Inspire! recently on their Work Week project, we asked them if they would offer the opportunity to a school.”

‘Work Week’ provides a series of activities and visits, tailored for different primary school year groups, all designed to raise awareness about different jobs and the skills needed to do them. Inspire! has worked with Virgin Trains on Work Weeks for Robert Blair Primary School in Islington and Brecknock Primary School in Camden.