Rail community projects up for national awards

Community projects backed by East Midlands Railway have been shortlisted for several national awards.

EMR, working with local partners and communities, has been shortlisted for eight gongs at this year’s Community Rail Awards, which recognise the unsung heroes of the community rail world for their hard work and dedication.

All of the EMR-backed projects shortlisted have been funded through the rail operator’s Community Fund.

Among the shortlisted projects is a scheme called Turning Around Vulnerable Young Lives Through Engineering, which provided young people the opportunity to learn engineering skills, while creating a new arch feature for Duffield station.

This project, which was developed in conjunction with Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP), will compete for the Involving Children & Young People Award.

The Derwent Valley Line CRP is also up for the Tourism & Leisure Award for a campaign promoting post-Covid return to rail travel, walks and attractions.

And Ambergate Station Adopters are finalists in the Station Friends & Adopters at the Heart of Communities category for their work during the pandemic.

Donna Adams, community engagement manager at EMR, said: “We are delighted that these projects have been shortlisted and the hard work of everyone involved has been recognised.

“Community rail projects create strong social benefits and help people come together to make an economic difference to their communities, helping to improve gateways to towns and villages, while promoting civic pride.

“At East Midlands Railway we are a strong supporter of community rail and proud to be part of such worthwhile projects through our Community Fund.”

The winners of the Community Rail Awards will be announced in October.