AIREDALE Hospital has welcomed a new arrival – a Pacer train!

The Steeton hospital ‘won’ the carriage in a competition staged by the Department for Transport.

When the Pacer trains – which were widely unpopular with rail passengers – reached the end of the line on the Northern network, they were offered to community organisations that could make use of them.

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust successfully bid for one, to transform it into a non-clinical space for youngsters on the children’s ward and for those visiting paediatric outpatients.

It is hoped the facility will also benefit people living with dementia.

The 19-tonne Pacer has now been craned into position on a specially-constructed site in the hospital grounds, ready for restoration prior to use.

Kirsty Randall, matron on the children’s ward, said: “We’re really excited to have the Pacer train carriage onsite and can’t wait to start using it with our patients and their families.

“We’re planning on using the space for children and young people who need to be in hospital but not necessarily on the ward at all times.

“It will give these children and young people a space that feels less medical, which will really help our younger patients to have a more positive hospital experience.”

The carriage was the third and final one to be delivered to community projects in northern England as part of the Department for Transport Transform a Pacer contest.

The others have gone to a primary school in Bradford – to create a new science lab – and to a mental health charity in Huddersfield.

Government rail minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “It has been great to witness all three of these Pacer carriages taken off the tracks and into new homes to serve communities across the north.

“Instead of being a home for disgruntled commuters, this train will now have a new life bringing happiness and support to families visiting Airedale Hospital.”

The train delivered to Airedale had been in service since 1986, clocking-up more than three million miles.

It was provided by rolling-stock company Porterbrook and was installed with the help of Network Rail teams, which managed the logistics of putting it into place.

Mary Grant, chief executive officer of Porterbrook, said: “Our Pacer trains have connected communities across Yorkshire over many years.

“Now that they have left frontline passenger service, I am proud that one of these vehicles will have a new lease of life at Airedale Hospital.

“We hope that families attending the hospital enjoy using this retired vehicle.”