Little cub scouts in Feltham are carrying a heavy burden this week after being placed at the forefront of a new campaign to tackle rail crime in the town.

Hopes are high that, unlike many current teens, the youngsters will grow up to respect the dangers of the tracks thanks to a new safety badge launched this week.

Recent statistics reveal Feltham is the fourth worst-affected area for rail crime in the entire country, with 56 incidents, including trespassing, stone throwing and obstructing the line, taking place between September, 2007, and August, 2008.

Only Doncaster, Leeds and Grays, in Thurrock, saw more trouble in this time.

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon said: "The vast majority of passengers travel safely on our railways every day, but a small minority, young and old, act irresponsibly and can be a real danger to themselves and others.

"That is why I am delighted that the Scouts are spearheading this brilliant initiative to show over 100,000 young people how to travel safely by train, and to act in a responsible way when they visit their local train station."

The new personal safety badge, launched on December 4, was created to educate young people and their families about the importance of safety at train stations, and the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

The resources pack accompanying the badge has been developed to help cub scout leaders in Feltham demonstrate how to be responsible on and around railways.

It includes a number of activities and information about understanding rail warning signs, electricity dangers, reporting railway crime and personal safety while travelling.

Cub scout Amair Khan, nine, from Hounslow, said: "I love getting badges. I don't go on trains much but if I got a badge for knowing how they work that would be great. I can't wait to have a go at this badge."

Secretary of State for Transport Geoff Hoon MP and over 30 Cub Scouts took part in the national launch of the badge at St Pancras Station, in north London.

Nick Brown, of rail company Serco, said: "Rail safety among young people is a hugely important issue. A vast number of accidents can be reduced through educating them about how to act around our railways."