************************* The magic of the much loved 1970 film The Railway Children, is set to thrill a new generation of audiences at a special one off screening on Saturday 5th July at 1.15pm, to coincide with next month’s highly awaited new stage production of this classic at the National Railway Museum, as well the city’s celebration of the Year of Reading. City Screen are working in partnership with The Big Read, York Theatre Royal and the National Railway Museum as part of the National Year of Reading celebrations in York and the forthcoming much awaited new stage production at the National Railway Museum in July and August 2008. Voted in the BFI Top 100 British films of all-time, The Railway Children tells the story of three children, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis, who live a wonderful life in London, but suddenly everything changes when two strange men appear and their father is mysteriously called away. Life in the Yorkshire countryside, by the railway, is a whole new world for the youngsters and their mother. New friendships, adventures and terrifying dangers await. But the mystery remains – where is father, and is he ever coming back? The film featured memorable performances from Jenny Agutter as Roberta and Bernard Cribbins as Albert Perks, who has recently been appearing in Doctor Who. The screening will be introduced by York Playwright Mike Kenny, who has written the new York Theatre Royal stage adaptation of the book which premieres at The National Railway Museum in Mid July. Kenny will present the screening and give a short talk on what to expect from the forthcoming production. York Libraries and Penguin will give away 2000 copies of 'The Railway Children' from Friday 27th June, copies will be available from the mobile library at St Sampson's Square as part of the Learning Festival, also at York Libraries, York Theatre Royal and the National Railway Museum. Free copies of the book will be available at the screening. Tony Clarke, from City Screen said 'York has gone Railway Children crazy. We're really pleased to be involved and this is a great opportunity to compare the classic film with the new adaptation'? Tickets for the one-off screening of The Railway Children on Saturday 5th July at 1.15pm range from £5-£7.20 and can purchased on 0871 704 2054 or at www.picturehouses.co.uk/news_item.aspx?venueId=york&id=1052. York Theatre Royal's not-to-be-missed production of The Railway Children will be at The National Railway Museum from 18 July-23 August. For tickets call 01904 623568 or visit: www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk **************************