A DORSET community rail partnership is celebrating after being recognised in the Community Rail Awards.

Blackmore Vale CRP’s first ever line guide was recognised in the Best Marketing or Communications Campaign category. While traditional guides are fold-out maps, promoting one or two local attractions for each station, the one produced for stations between Tisbury and Crewkerne is over 30 pages long, raising awareness of a whole host of opportunities to explore in each community. It even has recommendations for food and drink, as well as activities for children. Those who pick up the guide from an South Western Railway station can even enjoy a travelling music mix list, suggested by those involved in the CRP.

SWR’s Community Rail Manager, Andy Harrowell, said “Each year we provide over £250,000 to support CRPs across our network, helping to provide part time line officers and fund projects that connect communities with their railway station. These activities really make a different to so many and it’s great that this is being recognised nationally."