A RAIL operator running services in Huddersfield has won a national award.

Northern Rail was named Transport Operator of the Year in the rail category at the National Transport Awards.

Judges praised the company for its improved performance and reliability, its approach to working with stakeholders and its success in attracting 38% more passengers since the start of the franchise in 2004.

Managing director Ian Bevan said: “This is the second time we have won this award in the last four years and we are obviously delighted to be recognised for our efforts in this industry.”

The awards were held at the Lancaster London Hotel. Northern Rail, which runs “stopping” trains across the Pennines as well as trains between Huddersfield and Sheffield on the Penistone Line, is the biggest train operator in Britain. It provides 2,500 local and regional train services every day across the north of England, serving a population of nearly 15m. The firm has increased annual passenger numbers by 38% since 2004 to stand at 88m.