SEVERN Valley Railway Charitable Trust has won £75,000 in a national competition to help fund a scheme offering facilities for disabled passengers.

The trust was awarded the money in the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Heritage and Community Rail Tourism Innovation competition, which attracted entrants from more than 200 organisations.

Funding was secured following a pitch to a panel of senior government figures, including the Lord Faulkner of Worcester, Sir William McAlpine, Mark Garnier MP, and Deirdre Wells of UK Inbound.

Severn Valley Railway General Manager, Nick Ralls, said: "This award means we can transform our facilities for disabled visitors.

"We think it’s essential we offer all our passengers, regardless of their mobility level, the same level of convenience and access, along with the on board heritage dining facilities for which our railway is so well regarded.

"This funding from the DfT gives us the key to make that happen, and we’re extremely excited about getting started on the work."

Under the scheme, two 1950s carriages will be restored and portable ramps for each of the railway’s wheelchair-accessible carriages will be purchased.

An un-used British Rail vehicle will be converted into a dedicated wheelchair-accessible carriage suitable for five wheelchair users, which also includes a disabled toilet.

Dining accommodation will also be provided for up to 16 wheelchair users.

The Trust’s chairman, Hugh McQuade, said: "We learn from every one of our restoration projects, and we’re constantly adapting our approach.

"It’s about giving passengers the richest heritage experience that we can."

The funding will form part of the project’s overall cost, with the remainder financed by the Charitable Trust and Severn Valley Railway.

Rail Minister, Claire Perry, who announced the winners, said: "We want to show the best of British to our visitors and Heritage and Community Railways are part of that package.

"I am delighted that the Severn Valley Railway is one of 17 national winners across Britain.

"I look forward to seeing the scheme develop, providing another great reason to visit Worcestershire and Shropshire."

Conservative MP for Wyre Forest, Mark Garnier, abstained from the vote after declaring a local interest in the development.

He added: "I am so pleased that they received this crucial funding.

"The money won by our own Severn Valley Railway will help to grow their business, and ensure that more people than ever can access their fantastic services."