THIRTY families enjoyed a day beside the sea – thanks to Swindon Academy and Great Western Railway.

The railway company donated 130 railway passes, enabling pupils from Swindon Academy’s schools and their parents to spend a day by the coast at Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday.

Places on the trip went to some of Swindon Academy’s low income families.

Leaving at around 11am from Swindon railway station, the beach-bound group were met with blissful blue skies – and the clip-clopping sound of dozens of buckets and spades being thwacked against the pavement by excited children.

Helen Beardell, community officer at Swindon Academy, said: “We recognise as a school that it’s really important for families to spend time together. We wanted to make sure that everyone got that chance – away from the hustle and bustle.

“It’s really good for the children’s creativity. I think it opens their eyes to things that they might not necessarily see otherwise.”

The school have previously taken families on “big days out” to the Forest of Dean and London’s Science Museum.

“This one’s going to be great. This is a proper day out.”

Great Western Railway, who are headquartered in Swindon’s town centre, donated 130 rail passes after Swindon Academy got in touch – ensuring the group could travel to Weston-super-Mare.

Emma Morris, community manager for Great Western Railway, said: “We don’t often help schools, but we do help needy families. We’ll often support with travel for charities.

“They have got a carriage and a half to themselves.”

Milling in front of Swindon station, parents and children said they were excited about the day out.

Mum-of-four Kirsty Moore, 33, said: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s a nice, fun day out for the kids. It’s fun day out for all the family.”

Jess Butler, who was travelling to Weston with her husband Shane and three children, said: “We have been looking forward to it for a good while. My daughter’s really excited.”