Handforth is a small suburban station between Stockport and Wilmslow, and has been transformed by the hard work of its Friends and the wider local community – including schools.

Mike Bishop, voluntary co-ordinator of the group, described the award as a wonderful tribute to all the people who have worked hard to make Handforth station the little gem it has become.

The best smaller scale scheme at the Rail Industry Innovation Awards ceremony was awarded jointly to the Friends and to the Association of Community-Rail Partnerships.

The prize, an engraved crystal bowl and certificate, was presented by transport minister John Spellar at London’s Park Lane Hotel before an audience of over 800 top rail industry managers.

We’re absolutely delighted to get this recognition for the work our members are doing in bringing Britain’s local railways back to the community, said ACoRP general manager Paul Salveson.

We’re particularly grateful for the support we receive from our sponsors at the Strategic Rail Authority, Countryside Agency, Association of Train Operating Companies and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.

Receiving the award, Paul Salveson said that the timing was perfect.

This week, 40 years ago, saw the publication of the Beeching Report. If its recommendations had been implemented in full, many of the lines which are prospering today, supported by active community-rail partnerships, would have closed.

We’re busy making sure such a threat will never rear its ugly head again, by driving up use of these lines, and looking at cost-effective ways of operating rural railways.

Adrian Lyons, director-general of the Railway Forum, said the prize was a first.

Smaller scale schemes are vital to ensure that railways meet a range of needs. ACoRP and Friends of Handforth Station have demonstrated how much committed individuals with a lot of good ideas and a really practical approach can achieve.

The Railway Forum/Modern Railways Innovation Awards judges were particularly struck by the quality of these entries and, for the first time, decided to recognise this with the creation of a best smaller scale award. We were most impressed.

Paul Salveson, general manager of ACoRP, Mike Bishop of Friends of Handforth Station, and Brian Barnsley of the Penistone Line Partnership received the awards.

Information from Association of Community-Rail Partnerships Brian Jackson Centre, New North Parade, Huddersfield HD1 5JP Phone: 01484 549737 fax: 01484 544234 For details of ACoRP’s work, and its membership, see ACoRP’s website www.acorp.uk.com