The Llangollen & Corwen Railway has announced it was declared the winner of the Infrastructure Award at the Heritage Railway Association Awards held at Brighton last Saturday, 10th February.

The Heritage Railway Association Awards have been running for many years, and recognise excellence or innovation in all aspects of heritage railway and tramway restoration, preservation, and operation.

One of the latest honours to be added to the award is the Infrastructure Award, which this year was sponsored by Ernest R Shaw.

Among those on the shortlist along with the Llangollen & Corwen Railway for its Corwen station project was the Rother Valley Railway for its Hither Green turntable installation, the restoration of the station building at Bricket Wood by the Bricket Wood Station Heritage Trust, and the installation of a panel signal box at Medstead and Four Marks station on the Watercress Line.

This award is recognition for the many years of blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into building what is now an award-winning station and is a lasting legacy to everyone involved.

The dedication and determination of the railway’s volunteers have been admirable, and everyone involved should be congratulated.

The initial conception, fundraising efforts, building works, and the opening itself have all been a huge undertaking.

To receive this award is a magnificent achievement as the railway had already been recognised as the Go North Wales Tourism Awards Attraction of the Year for 2023.

The Llangollen & Corwen Railway suggests that now is an ideal time to visit the award-winning station at Corwen.

Before the awards evening, Heritage Railway Association Chair, Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, said: “The HRA Awards are the biggest and most glamourous event in heritage rail. But behind the glitz and bright lights, they’ve got a really serious purpose that mustn’t be forgotten.

“In our sector, everyone’s so heavily focused on the day-to-day business of running a heritage railway, that we sometimes forget just how special what we do is. It’s important that all of our railways and rolling stock owners celebrate what they do well and highlight the contributions of their staff or volunteers. That’s the main reason the HRA Awards exist, to put a spotlight onto the achievements of this amazing sector.

“They also serve another, slightly more subtle purpose though. By highlighting best practice in this way it helps to raise standards across the whole heritage railway industry, which is vital too in a world with ever-increasing safety, governance, and inclusion expectations.”