A North-East community group has continued its successful journey after being recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

The innovative work carried out by Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership to engage communities was celebrated at the national Community Rail Awards.

The partnership was awarded second place in the Most Effective Communications Campaign category, with its ‘Pass on a Smile’ campaign; third place in the Involving Diverse Groups category with ‘Our Line Connections’; and a finalist in the Involving Children and Young People category, with ‘Creative Journeys’.

Robert Whitehouse, Chair of the Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership said: “Our partnership is incredibly proud to have been recognised at this year’s national community rail awards for three of our recent projects. We work very closely with our local community and are proud to share these achievements with them and thank them for their involvement.”

The Bishop Line features six stations, starting at Bishop Auckland and taking in beautiful, historic scenery at Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Heighington, Darlington’s North Road Station, and over the world-famous Skerne Bridge to Darlington Station, where it links with the East Coast Mainline.

Mr Whitehouse paid tribute to arts organisation, Luxi, for its partnership with Our Line Connections, a project which evolved from ‘Our Line’ – an audio play designed to be listened to on the Bishop Line train, and updated during the pandemic in 2020, to be listened to at home.

He also thanked New Writing North for its management of the Creative Journeys project, a relationship which continues with the support of the Durham Book Festival to communities along the Bishop Line.

Mr Whitehouse also praised Bishop Trains for ongoing support at Bishop Auckland station, and partnership officer, Felicity Machnicki, for helping to develop and deliver the projects.

The Community Rail Awards recognise the crucial, often unsung work carried out by community rail partnerships, volunteers, and community groups, in areas such as community and youth engagement, community-led station development, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable development.

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “The Community Rail Awards give deserved recognition to community rail partnerships, groups, and volunteers across Britain.

“Despite another challenging year, the array of entries defied expectations, showing how community rail continues to strive to help people get the most from their railways and stations, and impact positively on local places and people’s lives.

“Our congratulations go to Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership and all winners and highly commended, and thanks to everyone who supports community rail, helping the movement to go from strength to strength.”

The Bishop Line is on track to play a key role in the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025. To find out more about the line, go to: www.bishopline.org