Railway Therapy Dog Nya Stars in New Children’s Book to Help Young Passengers Stay Safe
By Community Correspondent
A friendly railway therapy dog is helping young passengers learn how to stay safe while travelling by train in a brand-new children’s book.
TransPennine Express has created the story starring Nya, its well-known therapy dog, to help children feel more relaxed and confident on the railway.
The book, written by the company’s Safeguarding and Crime Prevention Lead Steve O’Callaghan, was released to coincide with World Book Day.
Nya, a six-year-old German Shepherd, is officially registered with Pets As Therapy.
Her role makes TransPennine Express the first UK train operator to have its own dedicated therapy dog.
She has become a familiar sight across the rail network, offering comfort and reassurance to passengers. Her calm nature has helped everyone from nervous young travellers to adults going through a difficult day.
Steve, who previously served for 20 years as a police officer before joining the rail company, said the idea for the book came naturally after seeing how children responded to Nya.
He explained that many families were instantly drawn to the dog, which created an opportunity to share important safety messages in a friendly and engaging way.
The story encourages children to keep away from the platform edge, stay close to a trusted adult and ask railway staff for help if they need it. It also explains what young passengers should do if they become separated from their family.
To celebrate the launch, book-swap shelves will appear at several stations across the TransPennine Express network, where families can pick up free copies.
Participating locations include Manchester Airport railway station, Huddersfield railway station, Hull Paragon Interchange, Brough railway station, Selby railway station, Malton railway station and Scarborough railway station.
The project will also reach schools through visits supported by the company’s Police Community Support Officers, who will help highlight the key safety messages featured in the story.
Steve said he hopes children enjoy the book as much as he enjoyed writing it, adding that he and Nya look forward to meeting families when they travel on the TransPennine Express network.
A digital version of the story is now live on the TPE website to reach families beyond the events: https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/nya-a-tale-of-safety-and-smiles
