THE world's strongest man was today pulling a 66-tonne train in York - as part of an initiative to educate youngsters about the dangers of railway crime.

Dave Gauder was planning to pull the National Railway Museum's 1972 high speed train prototype power car in the museum's Great Hall.

Two hundred pupils from primary schools in York and Doncaster were witnessing the pull during a day-long event dedicated to teaching them about the dangers of misbehaving on the railways.

Latest statistics show that a crime is committed on the network every four-and-a-half minutes during peak crime periods.

It is believed there are 27 million cases of trespass each year, of which ten million are committed by children, and a survey has shown that one in three children admit to trespassing or vandalising the railway.

Dave Gauder, who holds 17 unchallenged world strength records, was planning to deliver a powerful presentation about his own experiences of bullying and peer pressure - often thought to be a factor in getting involved in crime - and explain how he overcame them.

The children were then due to hear from British Transport Police officers and train drivers with first-hand experience of route crime and its effects.

They were also due to see a performance of Hideaway, a 20-minute educational play specially devised for the occasion.

Tony Walton, regional operations and safety manager, Network Rail, said that any crime on the railway had the potential to lead to loss of life, and education was a vital part of the rail industry's efforts to tackle route crime.

"I hope that those attending today's event will go away having enjoyed the day and with a clear understanding of the danger of crime on the railway and share this with their friends and family."

Chief Inspector Danny Snee, of British Transport Police, said the train pull was the perfect example of the power of the mind.

"In his presentations, Dave talks about self belief and the strength of the mind. We want young people to harness the strength of their minds when others are trying to tempt them to go on to the railway by saying no and staying safe."

Updated: 10:21 Wednesday, March 19, 2003