A TRAIN driver hailed as a hero by Sir Richard Branson for his role in the Grayrigg derailment has been honoured at an awards ceremony.

Iain Black, from Dumbarton, was driving the Virgin Pendolino train at 95mph when it careered down an embankment in 2007 due to a set of faulty points at Lambrigg - killing one passenger and injuring dozens more.

Despite breaking his neck and drifting in and out of consciousness, the now 54-year-old called his girlfriend Jan – whom he subsequently married – to ensure that rail controllers were aware of the accident.

He went on to help other people in the rail industry prepare for traumatic events.

He has now been given a Special Contribution to Transport Award at the Scottish Transport Awards one month after retiring from Virgin Trains.

Presenting the award in Glasgow, Transport Times editor David Begg said: “This award goes to a career railway man who has spent over 35 years working in a wide variety of roles in transport.

"He is known outside the industry for his role as the driver of the Pendolino train that derailed at Lambrigg in 2007, when, despite having a broken neck and drifting in and out of consciousness, he called his then girlfriend (now wife) to ensure that control were aware of the crash and could stop other trains.

“The injuries he sustained at Lambrigg left him with only a five per cent chance of survival but, after 18 months recovery, he returned to work at Virgin Trains in a support role and retired in May this year.

“He is fondly known within the railway industry for his warmth, humour, generosity and the work he has done to help colleagues prepare for and support those involved in traumatic incidents.”

A spokesman for Virgin Trains said: "He acted with great professionalism and fortitude both during the derailment and in the years subsequently."