If you went down to the train station on Saturday 17 June, you’d have been in for a big surprise!

Friends of Glossop Station and Northern worked together to give families a teddy-tastic treat, with picnic items kindly donated by Twig Coffee Shop in Glossop Station.

There were teddy themed activities and free train rides for all humans accompanied by a bear from Glossop, Hadfield, Hattersley and Guide Bridge stations.

Chair of Friends of Glossop Station, Neil Williams, says: “We had a good event with an estimated 45 to 50 happy families with teddy bears/ soft toys travelling for free between the stations at Hadfield, Glossop, Hattersley and Guide Bridge.”

“At each of the stations children and teddies were invited to participate in a Find the Bear competition. Sweets and small picnic food items were also available free at each station. At Guide Bridge Postman Pat was on hand to greet visitors. And Northern Trains new mascot, Whistle the Dog, called by Glossop and Guide Bridge stations.”

The event was organised by the four Station Friends groups at the participating stations. Free rail travel was kindly organised by Northern, arranged by area Community and Sustainability Manager, Rebecca Styles. Rail staff joined in the fun too with the puppet Sweep saying hello to travellers at the ticket gates at Glossop.

It was lovely to see children and their teddies having such a good time. To be able to have a free train ride, pick up some picnic items, be greeted by friendly faces at the stations and then to enjoy the lovely parks that Glossop, Hadfield, Hattersley and Guide Bridge have to offer is such a fantastic experience for families.

Keep an eye out for future events on the Glossop line at friends-of-glossop-station.co.uk