A RAIL company is launching a contest to find people along its routes who make a difference to their local communities.

Grand Central Rail is running is Heart of the Community Awards to recognise those who have made contributions to the communities along its routes, whether raising money for good causes or volunteering for a local initiative.

It is calling on people from Sunderland, Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk and York - where its trains stop - to nominate their unsung heroes.

The winner will receive a pair of return train tickets to London and the chance to attend an awards ceremony with other regional winners.

One winner from the region will be selected at the awards ceremony to receive an overnight trip for four to London and a £500 donation from Grand Central to the charity of their choice.

General manager Sean English said: “At Grand Central Rail, we pride ourselves on the close links we have with the communities along our routes.

“As the community rail company, we wanted to recognise those that have an impact on these localities and highlight those that, very often completely under the radar, are making a difference.

“We are thrilled to announce our Heart of the Community Awards and look forward to discovering and rewarding those who are dedicated to bettering their local area.”

Entrants can email their nominations along with their name, age, telephone number and address to; grandcentral@grayling.com using the name of their town in the title header, followed by “Heart of the Community Awards”.

More details and an entry form can be downloaded at; www.grandcentralrail.com/about-us/news-press/heart-of-the-community-awards/

The competition closes on July 14 and winners will be selected by August 11.