Nottingham Express Transit (NET) - All Aboard For A Story

Nottingham’s tram network has joined forces with a national charity to launch an innovative project aimed at helping local school children develop their literacy skills.

NET has partnered with the First Story charity to launch ‘Stories on the Trams’ which will see pupils create very short but engaging written pieces exploring their ideas of ‘Nottinghamness.’

The best of their work will then be shortlisted for an award with the winners being voted for by NET’s tram-travelling customers.

Stephanie Moss-Pearce, NET’s Assistant Marketing Manager, explained: “We think this is a fantastic project and one that will really catch peoples’ imagination. The winning entries will eventually take pride of place for everyone to see on board our trams.

“Not only will local children have great fun writing and sharing their stories, but our customers will also get plenty of enjoyment out of reading what they have put together.”

BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated local screenwriter, William (Billy) Ivory, is lending his support to the initiative and delivered a special workshop to pupils from The Farnborough Academy.

Taking place on board the tram named in his honour, the workshop saw Billy help pupils hone their writing skills and discuss what Nottingham means to them.

First Story works with young people in low-income communities across the UK, helping to raise their confidence and aspirations through creative writing and the organisation’s Regional Programme Officer, Rebecca Goldsmith, said: "We are delighted to be working with NET on this exciting project, giving a voice to the young people of Nottingham and sharing their amazing stories with the wider community."

Billy, who recently had a tram named after him, commented: “I’m really excited about this initiative and I’m delighted to be involved. Nottingham means a lot to me and it will be fantastic to hear what our young people think makes the city tick.

“It’s amazing what emotions you can get across in just a few, well-chosen words and that’s what I’d love to encourage.”

The competition itself, which was devised in collaboration with Bromley House Library, home to First Story in the East Midlands, will officially get underway as schools return in September following the summer break.