A CHARITY has joined forces with Colchester Utd in a bid to educate youngsters on the dangers of trespassing on the railway line.

Last year 250 incidents per week were recorded nationally with one third of those involving people aged under 18.

Figures have also revealed in 2018/2019 there were 15 trespass incidents at Colchester Station.

The latest statistics have sent a stark reminder of Kelly Mack’s death more than a decade ago.

The 29-year-old mother-of-two died after her boot got stuck in the level crossing at the Hythe in Colchester.

Now the Us is collaborating with StreetGames to create the You vs Train campaign.

The intention is to encourage youngsters to stay safe by using footballers to get the message across.

British Transport Police, Network Rail and the English Football League Trust are also working in partnership to support the project.

The players will interact with young fans over social media on the topic.

The club also intends to use its match days to discuss the dangers of trespassing before delivering the message on a wider level across the community.

Colchester United’s community development manager Tom Tayler said the club was pleased to be working towards increased safety on the tracks.

“Young people across Colchester and north Essex depend on the many rail networks for travel and it’s important they are aware of the associated risks,” Mr Tayler said.

“We hope our interactive and educational You vs Train programme can help increase awareness around the dangers and ultimately keep young people safer within our communities.”

English Football League Trust’s director of operations Mike Evans said Colchester United could play an important role in tackling the issue.

“Bringing about positive change in the community is at the core of the EFL Trust’s values,” Mr Evans said.

“Football can be an enormous force for good and have a profoundly positive impact on communities.

“We are looking forward to help tackle this issue in areas where children and young people are especially vulnerable.”

The message was further reinforced by British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith.

He said: “The lack of knowledge about the potential dangers seems to be why children choose the tracks as a place to take risks, so our main focus is on providing much-needed education.”

Network Rail Anglia’s Rupert Lown said the project has shown “sport to be a powerful vehicle in communicating safety messages to a younger audience”.