28 July 2026 •
Local rail operator c2c Railway – now part of GBR Anglia, which brings together the leadership of c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under a single, unified structure – has announced details of its new children’s activity packs available for customers to collect from stations across the c2c route this summer.
c2c Railway has created a new, free children’s activity pack to help keep younger travellers entertained during family journeys across the c2c route this summer.
Each pack includes a colourful activity book filled with puzzles and colouring pages, plus a set of pencil crayons, all neatly packaged in a bright c2c high‑vis backpack. The packs also include opportunities to learn more about c2c and the railway, helping children discover the places they can explore by train.
Created in support of the National Year of Reading, the packs are designed for children aged three to ten and aim to make family journeys easier, more creative and more enjoyable – whether customers are heading out on a day trip, a Southend seaside visit or sightseeing in London.
Parents and carers can pick up a free activity pack at their local c2c station while stocks last.
Joe Hendry, c2c’s Head of Stations, said:
“We recognise that travelling with children during the school holidays can be an adventure in itself, so we wanted to offer something simple, engaging and helpful for families to use during their journey.
“In the spirit of the National Year of Reading, our new activity packs include colouring, games and puzzles, and opportunities to learn more about c2c and the railway.
“It’s a small gesture designed to support families and help make journeys feel smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.”
Councillor Matt Dent, Southend-on-Sea City Council cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, said:
“As part of the National Year of Reading, we’re thrilled to receive these children’s activity books from c2c. They offer a fun and engaging way for young people to discover new ideas, build their reading skills and explore the world of rail travel.
“Partnerships like this play an important role in nurturing curiosity and a love of reading, and we’re grateful to c2c for supporting children and families across our communities.”
The initiative forms part of c2c’s wider commitment to supporting local communities and helping customers enjoy affordable, memorable days out by rail during the school holidays.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Anglia’s journey towards Great British Railways
Anglia’s integrated railway brings together the leadership of c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under a single, unified structure.
This new structure is part of wider plans to create Great British Railways (GBR), bringing track and train closer together to deliver a better, more joined-up railway for customers and communities in Anglia.
The structure is designed to support closer operational coordination across infrastructure, train services and customer delivery.
Existing ticketing and customer arrangements remain unchanged, and customers will continue to see the current company identities as the railway transitions towards GBR.
The Anglia route serves a fast-growing region, connecting commuters, leisure travellers, ports, power stations and more, as well as Stansted and Southend airports.
About c2c
- c2c is the award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex.
- c2c is one of the UK’s most punctual and popular train operators and nearly 37.3 million journeys are made on its services every year.
- The operation of all c2c services transferred into public ownership on Sunday 20 July 2025 and is managed by DFTO (DfT Operator Ltd).
- For more information email mediaenquiries@c2crail.net
About DFTO
- DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027.
- The group’s current train operating companies are: c2c, Greater Anglia, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express and WM Trains (London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway).
- DFTO runs more than 8,500 services each weekday and delivers more than 660 million customer journeys across its networks every year.
Images
Featured Image: c2c children’s activity pack
Second Image: Young c2c travellers, Louie and Finley, with their activity books and high-vis backpacks
Third Image: Young c2c travellers, Louie and Finley, with their activity books and high-vis backpacks
Fourth Image: Young c2c travellers, Louie and Finley, with their activity books and high-vis backpacks
Fifth Image: Young c2c travellers, Louie and Finley, with their activity books and high-vis backpacks