These arty Bedford schoolgirls are on track for double win

Two Bedford schoolchildren have won family days out thanks to their artistic flair.

Winner Victoria Dobrynska, seven, and runner-up Adoration Nwosu, six, both scooped prizes in an art competition organised by Bedford to St Albans Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

The aim of the competition - called Art-a-Track - was to help keep children occupied during lockdown. Youngsters up to the age of eight were challenged to produce a piece of art along the theme of The Magical Train where each carriage has a different adventure.

Victoria and Adoration, who both attend St Joseph’s and St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School in Bedford, were praised by the judges for their creativity. Judges described Victoria’s picture as “a snapshot into a fun-filled day” and Adoration as “a graphic designer in the making”.

Victoria and her family will be treated to complimentary train travel with Thameslink and a day out at Volk’s Electric Railway in Brighton once leisure train travel restrictions have been relaxed.

Her dad, David, said: “Vicky has been so very excited. She didn’t believe me when I told her she had won and then I showed her the email confirmation. She loves drawing and spends lots of time doing art. My daughter loves trains as well and she’s always asking when we can go travelling.”

Adoration and her family will also enjoy complimentary train travel for a day out in Brighton, again once leisure train travel restrictions have been relaxed.

Mum Victoria said: “She’s really excited about going on a train trip and we haven’t been to Brighton before so it will be a nice day out. We’re so happy the CRP and GTR provided this opportunity to show off her talent. She loves drawing.”

Bedford to St Albans CRP line officer Andy Buckley said: “We contacted 44 schools along the Bedford to St Albans route for this competition, and the whole idea was to try to bust boredom and give children the opportunity to connect with the railway.

"We are very grateful for the judges who got involved and we were delighted to announce Victoria and Adoration as our winners. Thanks also to Volk’s Electric Railway for donating a prize and watch this space for more competitions in the future.”