A VOLUNTEER run organisation based at an Eden valley railway station has scooped a major industry award.

Stainmore Railway Company (SRC) has won the Contractors Restoration Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards.

Based at the Kirkby Stephen East station SRC was entered for the awards to recognise its achievement in delivering its ‘World of Water’ project.

The project aimed to provide an authentic North Eastern Railway (NER) water tower, water crane and educational area explaining water’s essential role in the steam era.

Speaking after the ceremony, SRC director Mike Thompson said: “Helped by the financial support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Ken Hoole Trust and the Ironmongers’ Company, our volunteers and contractors have delivered this important step forward in the rapid development of our Kirkby Stephen East station site.

"Winning this award against strong competition from exceptional projects at other railway sites is a great honour for SRC and thoroughly well-deserved recognition for all our volunteers, ably supported by our excellent contractors, both local and nationwide, who put so much into this and every other project we set out to deliver."

The ‘World of Water’ project provides a functioning water supply to the growing steam fleet at KSE as well as educational exhibits and activities that explain why engines need water and the technologies that delivered that water.