Street star celebrates children's public transport web site

Date published: 20 December 2005

Coronation Street star Sam Aston wished GMPTE's educational web site DingDing a happy second birthday today and recommended Rochdale schoolchildren have a go on its four brand new modules.

The web site - www.dingding.org.uk - was launched in 2003 and is aimed at 5 to 14 year olds, it teaches children about public transport in a fun and entertaining way, with lesson plans, games, quizzes and fact sheets linked to Key Stages 1 - 3 of the National Curriculum.

Following its success with schoolchildren across Greater Manchester, the site has celebrated its second birthday with the launch of four new modules: 'What Can You See?', 'Ticket to Ride', 'Walking Safely, Waiting Safely' and 'Travel Training'.

Sam, who plays Chesney in the popular Manchester based soap, is a fan of the website and wished DingDing a happy birthday saying: "I really enjoy going on DingDing and have it saved on my favourites menu. The games are great fun but I also go on it when I'm told to do something useful because you are learning at the same time. I definitely recommend it - I'm looking forward to seeing the new modules and designing my own ticket."

GMPTE has asked schoolchildren across Greater Manchester to use the new 'Ticket to Ride' module to design their own public transport ticket and be in with a chance of winning win a mini iPod, digital camera or a bike.

GMPTE's Education Liaison Officer, Emma Whittaker, said: "The idea behind DingDing is to help children learn about public transport in a fun and interactive way. The reaction has been great and I am very proud to be celebrating the site's second birthday with the launch of four new modules for children to enjoy.

"The 'Ticket to Ride' section focuses on design and technology and children in schools across Greater Manchester have been invited to enter our 'Design a Ticket' competition and be in with a chance of winning some excellent prizes.

"The entries have been amazing and I'm looking forward to announcing the winner in January."

The web site has been produced in consultation with teachers and education advisers and tested out in classrooms so children's ideas can be incorporated.

The Design a Ticket competition has been split into three age groups: 5 to 7 years, 8 to 10 years and 11 to 14 years. One winner will be selected from each age group. All ticket designs received will be placed on the DingDing gallery for everyone to see and each entrant will receive a DingDing goodie bag and certificate.