Community Rail aims to encourage local individuals and groups to take pride in their railway and stations. Successful projects have included art exhibitions, gardening groups and transformative station refurbishments. Twenty new schemes have been developed in the last six months.

Your Sporting Chance serves the dual purpose of engaging colleagues at London Midland and strengthening bonds between the train operating company and the communities along its network. Employees are encouraged to nominate local junior and youth sports teams to receive up to £500 donation towards kit and equipment. Launched at the end of 2016 the company has already supported 45 groups across its network.

The organisers of the awards, said: “Responsible, caring companies are in a privileged position to be able to help those who depend on them for their livelihoods, and others less fortunate. They can be a realistic force for good and change-for-the-better, and we want to recognise and reward their efforts in this direction.”

Francis Thomas, London Midland’s head of Corporate Affairs said: “London Midland is committed to getting closer to the communities we serve. Improving engagement with local people means we can have better conversations and design service improvements that really matter to our customers. Communities across our network are intrinsically linked to the railway and that is why it is so important that we are continually engaging and supporting these groups.”