The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has scooped a national heritage award.
Staff attended the Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards where they got the top accolade in the Marketing and Communications category.
The affectionately named ‘La’al Ratty’ was also highly commended in the category for ‘Railway of the Year’.
The awards event took place in East Sussex on Saturday 10 February and featured cult trainspotter and social media sensation Francis Bourgeois as guest speaker.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway was selected for its high-impact event marketing and communications, including River Esk’s 100th Centenary Gala and its seasonal ‘winter warmer’ trains.
An array of activity including social media content, digital communications, PR and printed publications all contributed to a 50 per cent increase in visitors between Boxing Day and New Years Day, as well as a 20 per cent uplift in visitor numbers for the annual gala.
Head of marketing and business development at Lake District Estates, Rachel Bell, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and the wider Lake District Estates teams.
“Congratulations to everyone involved – this wouldn’t have been possible without all the hard work of our colleagues, volunteers and associates, and the support of our visitors! It really is a team effort and another win for Cumbria to be proud of against some very tough competition!”
Stuart Ross, general manager visitor experience at the railway added: “This is an award given because of provable results and I’m so proud of everyone involved.
“Our marketing team do a phenomenal amount of work on our behalf, to showcase our historic railway and tell the stories which has made it a must-see attraction for almost 150 years. Good job!”
