The Severn Valley Railway has reached the final in three prestigious award categories. 

Staff and volunteers at the heritage railway are delighted after being selected as a finalist in three separate categories of the 2024/25 Visit Worcestershire Awards. 

The railway line is in the running for Large Visitor Attraction, Business Event Venue of the Year and the Unsung Hero awards. 

The regional tourism awards celebrate excellence in the industry and this year Visit Worcestershire received a record-breaking number of applications. 

Charlie Delaney with 4930 'Hagley Hall' during Bewdley Bike Week Charlie Delaney with 4930 'Hagley Hall' during Bewdley Bike Week (Image: SVR)

Jonathan 'Gus' Dunster, the SVR's managing director, said: "The competition is very tough. We're absolutely delighted to have made it to the finals in three very different categories. 

"We pride ourselves in putting our visitors front and centre whilst also keeping focus on the history, passion and commitment that has made us the leading standard-gauge steam railway according to Visit England. 

"We're constantly listening to visitor feedback and making improvements. This is borne out by 150 five-star visitor reviews on TripAdvisor and the fact that we've held more than 50 bespoke corporate events in the past year with excellent levels of satisfaction and repeat bookings." 

Charlie Delaney with his mum Jem Charlie Delaney with his mum Jem (Image: SVR)

Volunteer Charlie Delaney is a finalist in the Unsung Heroes category. 

Mr Dunster said: "I'm especially pleased that our young volunteer Charlie Delaney is now getting the recognition he deserves as a finalist in the Unsung Heroes category. 

"At just 17 years old, Charlie volunteers across several role including trainee locomotive cleaner and trainee guard and as a member of platform staff at our Kidderminster Station. 

"He's also done plenty of shifts as a Christmas elf. He's nothing if not versatile and Charlie embodies the dedicated spirit of all our volunteers."

Footplate experiences are bookable by individuals and corporations Footplate experiences are bookable by individuals and corporations (Image: SVR)

Mr Delaney added: "I've always loved railways and the SVR in particular. Volunteering is my chance to pay back the place that has given me and my whole family such pleasure over the years. 

"I love being part of this relaxed and happy family of volunteers."

Visit Worcestershire is set to announce the winner at a special event planned for March 2025.