Darlington MP Lola McEvoy has launched a campaign to get children in the area a 'golden ticket' to a rail museum's play area to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
In an event at her constituency office, Ms McEvoy announced plans to bring the town's businesses together to fund free access to Hopetown's Wagon Woods play area for primary school children.
The museum, dedicated to Darlington's railway heritage, opened in 2024 to fanfare but has recently announced that it performed worse than expected. Nevertheless, Ms McEvoy hopes she can encourage businesses to fund the tickets so that Darlington children can access the attraction.
"These are my values," Ms McEvoy told The Northern Echo.
"Every child should have the opportunity to celebrate their history.
"I am encouraging businesses from across the town to support the initiative to give free tickets to local children."
Elected in 2024, the MP said she wanted to ensure children were able to 'achieve whatever they wanted to do.'
Backed by several businesses already, the MP will be writing to Darlington's businesses to see if they can help to support the initiative.
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Darlington Cares is on board with the golden ticket scheme. Seth Pearson, who works for the company said "We are delighted to support the campaign. We want to back the MP and help get people around the table."
LNER's Ed Turner said: "Darlington is a key part of our route and Hopetown is a fantastic place.
"When we heard about the scheme and the chance to send young children to Hopetown it was a no-brainer.
"Particularly since the railway industry is celebrating its 200-year anniversary.
"Lola mentioned the campaign shortly after being elected, we have been talking about it for some time."
Richard Salkeld who works at Lumo, a newer train operator in the region having operated routes from Scotland to London for three and a half years, said the company was "proud" to support the campaign.
"We share those values of inclusivity. We are really proud to support it."
Ms McEvoy said: "I am aware that with the cost-of-living crisis, the £5 entry fee can be a significant barrier for many families, particularly those with more than one child.
“This is why I am so delighted businesses have agreed to contribute to this scheme, enabling every primary school child in Darlington to get a free ticket."
Potential donors are asked to contact Chelsea Johnson at Darlington Cares if they would like to contribute to the scheme.
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