YORK-based rail company East Coast is offering children aged 5 to 11 years a chance to win a rail trip for themselves and all their classmates by designing a train to represent a happy journey.

The competition, which closes on Friday (31 October), will have one national winner, who will win a trip on the East Coast route with their whole class.

Two runners-up will also receive a First Class ticket for a family of four to travel anywhere on the East Coast route. The overall winning design will also be turned into a large scale model, to be auctioned for East Coast's adopted charity Railway Children at their annual ball on Friday 28 November 2014.

East Coast Managing Director Karen Boswell said: “This competition is an opportunity for children up and down our route to showcase their creativity. Everyone has a happy journey in their mind – whether it’s simply walking to school, visiting family or crossing the channel for an adventure.

“Railway Children is a charity close to our hearts and we’re proud to be supporting them in their work to provide safety and opportunity for vulnerable children across the UK, India and East Africa. We can’t wait to see what youngsters come up with!”

The winning design will be made into a full scale model by award-winning artist Ptolemy Elrington, who uses recycled materials, such as car wheel hubcaps, to create his sculptures.

Ptolemy Erlington said: “I love using materials from methods of transport like cars and trains to build sculptures, so it is fitting that this model will be all about happy journeys! I am really excited to see the winning design and support the vital work of Railway Children.”

A drawing template, full details and terms and conditions can be found on the East Coast website www.eastcoast.co.uk/railwaychildren