Sara Pascoe reads to children on Yorkshire trains in new summer campaign

Comedian Sara Pascoe has launched a new campaign that aims to get families reading on trains this summer.

Four train operating companies – LNER, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express – have teamed up with The Reading Agency to support its Summer Reading Challenge, which was designed to get children reading outside the classroom over the school holidays.

Sara, who also hosts the Weird Book Club podcast, launched the campaign with pop-up reading sessions for schoolchildren travelling on trains between Leeds, York and London.

Staff working for the four train operating companies are now planning to hand out 65,000 free Summer Reading Challenge activity packs to families over the coming months.

Each one contains a copy of Storytime Magazine, sticker booklet, activity sheet, certificate and other fun resources to inspire children aged 4–11 to read more outside of the classroom.

The activity packs will be available onboard participating services and at selected stations, from Edinburgh to Margate and from Newcastle to London, making it easy for children to get involved wherever their journey begins.

With the government backing 2026 as the National Year of Reading, the initiative comes at a crucial time for families.

New research from The Reading Agency shows nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of parents are worried about children being bored during the summer holidays and over half (51 per cent) struggle to keep them engaged and stimulated. At the same time, over two-thirds (68 per cent) say the rising cost of summer activities puts pressure on their family.

As families look for affordable ways to keep children entertained and connected, the research highlights reading as a simple, accessible activity that can positively support children’s wellbeing.

More than four in five parents (84 per cent) believe reading benefits their child’s mental wellbeing, while 87 per cent say it helps children build confidence or emotional skills. Meanwhile, four in five (80 per cent) say getting lost in books helps children feel less lonely.

Sara Pascoe said: “I’ve always loved reading when I’m travelling. It has a brilliant way of making the journey feel like part of the adventure rather than just the bit in between.

“It was such a joy to surprise families on the train, share stories together and see children getting excited about the books.

“It’s such a simple idea, but turning travel time into reading time is a lovely, easy way to keep kids entertained this summer and help them discover the fun of reading wherever they are.”

Karen Napier MBE, Chief Executive at The Reading Agency, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is all about helping children discover the joy of reading in ways that feel fun and easy.

“By working in partnership with LNER, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express, we’re reaching families where they are and turning every journey into an opportunity for imagination, creativity and shared family moments.

“It’s a powerful way to help more children enjoy reading, wherever the summer takes them.”

Tricia Williams, Northern’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to be part of this important campaign as we prepare to welcome millions of families on board our trains over the summer holidays.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to help more children discover the joys of reading, along with all of the benefits it brings, and show them that trains are a great place to enjoy a good story.”

Darren Higgins, Commercial Director for TPE said: “We’re proud to be working alongside other train operators including, LNER, Northern, and Southeastern, to partner up with The Reading Agency this summer to encourage more children to discover the joy of reading onboard.

“Train journeys provide the perfect opportunity to switch off, pick up a book and enjoy a story together as a family.”

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Minister of State for Rail, said: “Train journeys are the perfect opportunity to pick up a good book, and this wonderful initiative will help more young people discover the joy of reading during their summer holidays and beyond.

“This initiative from four publicly owned operators shows the kind of joined-up, passenger-focused railway we’re building as we set up Great British Railways, working as one organisation to deliver a difference for communities across the UK.”