A heritage railway has been nominated for a national award for the successes it achieved in 2021 as a visitor attraction during the post Covid-19 recovery.

The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway (CWR) has become a nominee for the “HRA Award for Small Groups” at the Heritage Railway Association Awards.

Last year was an an exceptional for the railway and its 300 members and 30 active volunteers.

The railway reopened after the Covid lockdown in May 2021, with a record numbers of visitors and revenue despite a shorter running season and social distance regulations being required during some of the year.

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Chairman Dr Tony Stead said: “The nomination is a fantastic recognition for all the volunteers who have contributed to the successes we have achieved in 2021. We have great plans for the future to ensure the railway continues to thrive and improve.”

Last year the railway was won an award at the National Railway Heritage Awards for the rebuilding of the Maidenhead Canopy at Wallingford station.

The railway will re-open to passengers for the Easter period and has a series of events through the year, including running trains during “Bunkfest” and “Wallingford at War” in October.

The line runs through the picturesque countryside of South Oxfordshire and links the historic riverside town of Wallingford with Great Western Railway trains at Cholsey.

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