At this year’s national Community Rail Awards, the Community Rail Network Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership were recognised in two categories.

The partnership was highly commended for its innovative work at Conwy railway station in engaging the local communities with their local railway, and in the Involving Children and Young People category, it came away with third place.

This was the 19th year of the Awards which were jointly sponsored by Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway.

A wide range of projects from Britain and beyond were shortlisted, with 19 winners out of 180 entries, all showing how the community rail movement contributes to positivity and awareness between local people and their railways.

Conwy railway station was particularly identified as it is a hotspot for trespass and anti-social behaviour.

The Partnership worked with British Transport Police, Transport for Wales, local graffiti artist Andy Birch, and students from Ysgol Aberconwy to design and create two new art pieces for breathing life into dull and lifeless shelters by turning them into a vibrant and inspiring space.

The aim was to educate young people about the dangers of trespassing, the importance of safety around the railway, and to reduce anti-social behaviour.

At the same award ceremony, the “Community Creative Projects and Station Arts” award was won by the Leeds – Morecambe Community Partnership, and the Cambrian Railway Partnership won the “Tourism and Leisure award”.

I have recently returned to the role of Community Rail Officer and delighted that the project at Conwy came in the top 3. It’s fantastic to work with local artists and local school children to highlight the important message of rail safety.

This is the second project Ysgol Aberconwy have supported the Community Rail Partnership with, and a big thanks goes to the pupils and staff that made this project happen.

Karen Williams, Community Rail Officer for the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership

Our Community Rail Awards give deserved recognition to community rail partnerships, groups and volunteers across Britain. The awards ceremony showcased the great value of community rail, helping to build stronger, fairer, greener communities, served and connected by their railways and wider sustainable transport network.

Our congratulations to the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership and to all our winners, and thanks to everyone who supports and champions community rail, helping the movement to go from strength to strength.

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network

The Community Rail Awards are important in recognising the incredible work of volunteers and community groups improving our rail network. I was lucky enough to see first hand the difference these projects are making when I met with some of those taking part including during my rail tour last summer.

Whether it’s improving accessibility in stations or engaging with young people about rail, I’d like to thank each and every one for their contribution and the impact they’ve made.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman MP

We were thrilled to co-sponsor this year’s awards in beautiful Swansea and celebrate the amazing work being done across the UK and particularly across our own network.

We’re so lucky to be able to work with so many amazing communities and organisations through our Community Rail Partnerships and really believe that by connecting and encouraging collaboration among businesses and organisations in local communities, we can empower those communities to work together on a whole range of social, economic, cultural and environmental issues, as well as showcase the best our network has to offer.

Marie Daly, chief customer and culture officer, Transport for Wales