East Lancashire Railway recognised for its outstanding volunteers

The East Lancashire Railway has been recognised for the dedication of its volunteers after winning a Roch Valley Radio Community Hero Award.

The award celebrates people, groups, charities and businesses who go the extra mile to support others and make a positive difference in their communities.

For the East Lancashire Railway (ELR), the award recognises the contribution of more than 800 volunteers who give their time, skills and enthusiasm to help keep the heritage railway running and preserve it for future generations.

Volunteers play an essential role across the railway, from train drivers, guards and signalling teams to those working in the railway’s dining trains, station cafés and other visitor-facing roles.

Collecting the award was a group of volunteers representing different areas of the railway and highlighting the breadth of roles that help make the ELR experience possible.

Diesel Driver and Head of the Signalling Department, Linda Henderson, said:

“The award recognises our over 800 volunteers, and those whose footsteps we follow, as the custodians of the Railway, preserving it for the future volunteers and visitors.”

The East Lancashire Railway has been operating heritage trains through the Irwell Valley since 1987, initially serving the communities of Bury, Summerseat and Ramsbottom before expanding along the line to Irwell Vale, Rawtenstall and Heywood.

Today, the railway welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year, offering heritage train journeys, events and experiences along its 12.5-mile route.

Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, Mike Kelly, said:

“It is incredibly humbling for the East Lancashire Railway to be recognised for the great and unselfish work our volunteers carry out day in, day out.

“As Chairman, I am extremely proud to accept this award on behalf of the East Lancashire Railway and, most importantly, on behalf of the hundreds of volunteers who give their time, skills and enthusiasm so generously to keep our railway running.”

The award is a celebration not only of the current volunteer team, but of the generations of volunteers who have helped preserve the railway and create experiences for visitors over almost 40 years.

Congratulations to all the East Lancashire Railway volunteers on this well-deserved recognition.

Find out more about the East Lancashire Railway and plan your next visit discoverbury.co.uk.