Huddersfield community rail enthusiasts were honoured at a prestigious national railway awards.
Friends of Huddersfield Station group steamed ahead to get second place in the passenger matters section of the annual Association of Community Rail Partnerships ceremony, which blows the horn for community groups championing their local line.
It is the first formal award for the volunteer-run group, who sprang into action last year following the suggestion by train enthusiast and expert, Paul Salveson, to create a visitor information point in the station for visitors to the town.
Together the 25 strong group have given information to over 1,000 people on train times and routes as well as recommending attractions, shops and hotels.
Paul, said: “I was delighted to see Friends of Huddersfield Station win second prize.
“Their new welcome point in the station booking hall adds a new dimension to community rail, of operating at larger stations with a high footfall.
“Well done ACoRP team, especially Hazel, Dawn and Brian who put in a huge amount of effort into the event.”
The group were one of two winners from the region, which also included University of Huddersfield student, Jessica Kopka, who gained third prize in the Innovation in community rail for creating the Penistone Puzzle Project for her final year project.
A community art initiative, she created her own visual responses to travelling the route.
Commenting on the winners, ACoRP, which is based at the Old Water Tower in the station premises, a spokesman said: “The Friends of Huddersfield Station has guided many a lost soul to their correct location or train and the scheme has been so successful that other local groups have asked to be linked in and ask for guidance in setting up other station visitor information points.
“Jessica’s was an innovative project which she followed up by inviting members of the public to take part in a puzzling event, which involved a journey along the Penistone Line and included various challenges to promote the town of Penistone.
