Great Western Railway has announced that they have teamed up with the BBC to have 18 Intercity Express Trains named after local heroes.

For the past four months, BBC Radio stations across Britain have been highlighting stories of people making a difference in the community during the pandemic.

Some of the stories will feature in a special programme on Friday 11th September and a judging panel will select two Make A Difference Superstars from each of the nine BBC local radio patches.

It was BBC Three Counties that first shared the story of Captain Tom Moore, and soon, the world was cheering him on, raising £33m in the end.

GWR Interim Managing Director Matthew Golton said: “The GWR has a long history of naming trains after those who have made a difference in their communities, recognising past and present stars from across our network.

“As key workers ourselves we recognise only too well the sacrifices many have made to keep people safe and we want to reward their efforts. We have been keeping key workers and community heroes moving throughout the pandemic and continue to do so, and it is lovely to be able to recognise just a handful in this way.

“I am honoured that today we are able to partner with the BBC Make a Difference campaign, to recognise those who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic to meet the needs of their communities, and the communities we serve. Listening to BBC local radio we were touched by the stories that we have heard.”

Chris Burns, Head of BBC Audio and Digital says: “While COVID19 is a global pandemic, it’s impact has been very localised and MAD has highlighted what people have done locally to help each other. We want to recognise the acts of kindness that have been a part of this difficult time. So we are asking people to tell us about their local heroes, those who have lifted your spirits, made them laugh or cry or maybe even literally saved their life?”

The following BBC Radio stations are taking part, two listeners from each station will be selected to have trains named after them:

• BBC Radio Bristol
• BBC Radio Wiltshire
• BBC Hereford and Worcester
• BBC Radio Oxford
• BBC Radio Berkshire
• BBC Radio Somerset
• BBC Radio Devon
• BBC Radio Cornwall
• BBC Radio Gloucester

To nominate someone who’s ‘made a difference’ please visit www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference before 30 August 2020 at midnight.

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