Young train-spotters are invited to hop on board the Virgin Trains Rookie Academy for something a bit different as the summer holidays draw to a close.

Forget smart-phones this summer, budding young train lovers have the chance to make announcements over the station speakers, wave off a train from the platform, and meet the train drivers.

The Virgin Trains Rookie Academy has already been held on various days at Penrith and Carlisle train stations during the holidays, but there are still a few dates left to take on the role of train conductor.

Mark Green, Virgin Trains station manager at Carlisle and Penrith, 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 over the summer holidays to help keep them entertained.”

A similar event took place at Carlisle train station in June to raise money for Rethink Mental Illness.

Excited children were given free rein of the announcing system and could wave off a train.

The experience was made even more magical by a magician and storytime with Sammy the Safety Bear.

“Our Rookies will get some hands-on, real-life experience at our stations along our west coast route,” Mr Green added.

There are only two more chances to enrol in the Rookie Academy to get a behind the scenes look at how the train systems run.

Both sessions will be at Penrith train station between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on August 20 and 27.

“Make sure you pre-book your ticket to guarantee your place, as we’re unable to let Rookies in without one,” added Mr Green

Tickets are free and can be booked online on the Virgin Trains website.

The academy comes as Carlisle Racecourse is preparing to host its Kids’ Takeover Day on Wednesday.

Young visitors to Summer Family Day at the racecourse will be given the opportunity to try their hand at a number of key raceday roles, from raceday presenter and weighing room operative, to serving in the racecourse’s hospitality facilities and reporting on the ground conditions.

It’s been brought to Carlisle by Great British Racing as part of its Under-18s Race Free campaign, which highlights the fact that under-18s go free to almost every racecourse.

Facilitated by Racing to School, an education charity which delivers free outdoor learning activities for young people, the Kids’ Takeover Day was first trialled at Bath Racecourse, and is being rolled out at a number of

racecourses across the summer.

Every child who attends the family day in Carlisle will be invited to take part in the takeover.

There will also be horse racing, a giant inflatable slide, face-painting, Didi Cars (self-propelled ride-on cars) and two dog show classes , seeking the wiggliest tale and the Best Young Handler.