Rib-tickling students have been working hard to put smiles on the faces of customers at Newton Aycliffe station. Pupils at Greenfield Academy, which has adopted the Northern station, recently completed an art project called Bring the Funny which aimed to promote wellbeing in the local community by raising the spirits of rail users. The students worked closely with artist and designer Nicola Golightly and writer and director  Laura Degnan to complete eight amusing poster boards which hang along the length of the station. They also constructed a fantastic interactive light box with a motion detector which is fitted inside of the station’s shelters and is triggered by passers-by. Comedian and artist Ruth Johnson also get involved to help the students record jokes triggered when the light box illuminates.
Those who took part in the project are all members of Youth Cree, a group designed to promote positive wellbeing, and all worked together as a team to complete this amazing project for their community. Pete Myers, Stakeholder Manager for Northern, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the students at Greenfield Academy on the ‘Bring the Funny’ art project. “The idea is so unique and exciting and will bring a smile to our customers at Newton Aycliffe station.’ Student Jack Smith added: “I hope the project makes people laugh and brightens dull days!”