Lumo celebrates 20th Community Rail Awards

An awards ceremony has celebrated innovative projects connecting railways with local communities, recognising efforts to promote sustainability, station improvements and youth engagement.

The Community Rail Awards, held at Newcastle’s Civic Centre, marked its twentieth year with a record 510 attendees, including senior rail, transport leaders and volunteers. 

Organised by the Community Rail Network and headline partnered by Newcastle-based train operator Lumo, the event coincided with the railway industry’s 200-year milestone and the birth of the modern railway.

Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Lumo, said: “As a North East-based train company that’s proud of our region’s rich railway and industrial heritage and is actively playing a key role in the future of the railways, we’re incredibly proud to sponsor and celebrate the Community Rail Awards in their twentieth year. 

“This is especially fitting, as Lumo is based in Newcastle on the site of the former Stephenson locomotive works where the first railway locos were built, and our trains pass through Darlington where the first passenger railway opened in 1825.”

Judges reviewed 227 entries, selecting 20 winners, with Kent Community Rail Partnership and Greening Arundel jointly receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Community Rail Award.

Bill Freeman, interim chief executive at Community Rail Network, added: “Our Community Rail Awards give deserved recognition to community rail partnerships, groups and volunteers across Britain and now beyond.

“This year's ceremony in Newcastle saw 510 guests from across the community rail movement and transport sector celebrating community rail’s role building stronger, fairer, greener communities, served and connected by their railways and wider sustainable transport network. 

“It's a fantastic achievement to be able to celebrate two decades of recognising the outstanding work of community rail, especially during this special Railway 200 year. 

“Our congratulations go to all our winners, and thanks to everyone who supports and champions community rail across the rail and transport field, helping the movement to go from strength to strength.”

To see a full list of the finalists and winners, see here.

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