THE Severn Valley Railway has received three prestigious awards and was highly commended in two further categories at the 2024 Heritage Railway Association awards.

The annual awards recognise excellence and innovation across the heritage rail sector.

The SVR was given the Award for Diesel and Electric Locomotion, for its series of events held last year in celebration of 50 years of diesel preservation.

The SVR-based Class 50 Alliance and the Fifty Fund won the Rail Express Modern Traction Award, and the Class 50 Alliance was highly commended in the Team of the Year category.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The SVR-based Class 50 Alliance and Fifty Fund win the HRA Modern Traction Award. The SVR-based Class 50 Alliance and Fifty Fund win the HRA Modern Traction Award. (Image: HRA)

The SVR was also highly commended for its restoration of LMS corridor composite No 24617 in the Morgan Award for Rolling Stock Preservation.

The SVR’s managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster was honoured with the Railway Magazine Preservationist of the Year award, both for his work as a volunteer with the Class 50 Alliance and for his role as MD at the SVR over the past year.

Chris Walton, the SVR’s chairman said: “Any one of these awards and commendations would by itself be cause for celebration; the fact that the SVR and its associated groups and people scooped this many in a single evening is truly inspiring.

“It shows the breadth of the SVR’s talents and the depth of its determination to continue as a leading member of the UK heritage sector. These awards will be welcomed by everyone who works or volunteers at, or visits, the wonderful Severn Valley Railway.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: Jonathan 'Gus' Dunster, about to receive his Preservationist of the Year award. Jonathan 'Gus' Dunster, about to receive his Preservationist of the Year award. (Image: HRA)

Heritage Railway Association chief executive, Steve Oates, said: “It was a big night for the Severn Valley team as a whole at the HRA annual awards in Brighton. There was tough competition in every single category, but the fact the SVR has so many new additions to their trophy cabinet is testimony to the hard work and dedication of everyone there.

“I’ve got to give huge congratulations to Gus and the entire team at the Severn Valley for what they’ve achieved. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the next 12 months, and perhaps even welcoming them back on stage at our next awards event.”