SCHOOLKIDS across Scotland are being asked to get their thinking caps on to create an advert encouraging more people to use the train in the run up to COP26 in Glasgow.

More than 5000 schools across the country have been invited to take part in the contest run by Scotland's Railway where they can create a one-minute advert or large poster to promote the benefits of rail travel as Glasgow gears up to host the crunch climate talks.

Four schools could win £2,500 each to spend on new technology for their schools.

Winning entries will be displayed in train stations across Scotland and on social media.

Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “The railway plays an important part in making Scotland greener.

“We want our young people to help us showcase what Scotland’s Railway is great at doing – reducing our impact on the environment by getting more people, and goods, out of their vehicles.

 “We’re decarbonising Scotland’s Railway – investing in more electrification and new greener trains – and we hope this competition will help highlight the positive contribution we make to Scotland’s communities, economy and environment.”