More than 150 students with learning disabilities spent a day on the railway last week.

The youngsters from seven Essex schools did Try a Train Day, run by the Essex County Council travel training team.

Working alongside rail operator Abellio Greater Anglia the event aims to give students more independence and open up opportunities for them.

Students boarded a train at Colchester and took a return trip to Clacton.

They experienced entering the station and boarding the train, having their tickets checked and train announcements, and learned more about how to ask for help and looking after their own safety.

Ray Gooding, county councillor for education and lifelong learning, said: “These trips on public transport, which for many of us are just part of our daily life, open up the world to the students. From travelling to school or appointments, to trips out, having the skills and confidence to travel independently is life changing.”