A creative railway station project on a County Durham heritage line has earned top honours at a regional horticulture competition.
Weardale Railway's award-winning scheme at Stanhope Station, which celebrated the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR200), brought together students, charities, and the wider community to create four eye-catching planters shaped like iconic locomotives.
The planters, which earned the station gold and best in class at Northumbria in Bloom, represent a journey through rail history, from Locomotion No 1 to the modern Hitachi Lumo.
Weardale Railway accepting Northumbria in Bloom award, from left: June Wilson, WR volunteer, Mark Porter, vice Ppesident of the RHS & chairman of Britain in Bloom, Ken Wilson, WR volunteer, and Claire Gibbons, general manager of WR).(Image: Supplied)
Nigel Bryson of the charity Cultivate 4 Life, who coordinated the project, said: "This project shows what can be achieved when the community comes together.
"From funding to building, installing, and planting, everyone played their part - and the award is a wonderful recognition of that teamwork."
The project was developed with support from Story Train's Sam Slatcher, who secured funding from Durham County Council's Weardale Area Action Partnership.
Students from Bishop Auckland College's joinery department built the planters, which were transported by Teescraft, installed by Weardale Railway engineers, and filled with plants by volunteers ahead of the judges' visit.
Claire Gibbons, general manager at Weardale Railway, said: "It's been fantastic to collaborate with so many partners to mark such an important milestone in railway history.
"So many different groups have come together to deliver it on time - it just proves that great things can happen when you work together.
"The planters look superb and highlight the power of community spirit - we're proud that Stanhope Station has been recognised with this award."
The station's entry formed part of the Northumbria in Bloom competition, which is linked to the national Britain in Bloom campaign.
The scheme encourages communities to improve their local environment through gardening, sustainability and creativity.
This was Weardale Railway's first time entering the 'Bus, Metro and Railway Stations' category.
After six months of preparation, Stanhope Station was awarded gold and named 'best in class' on September 17.
Neil Ovington, a construction and joinery lecturer at Bishop Auckland College, said: "It's been a pleasure supporting Weardale Railway through this hands-on project.
"It has given the students a link to the local community and a sense of pride seeing their hard work displayed at Stanhope Station.
"Making the planters gave the students the opportunity to see their practical skills being used to make a positive difference locally."
Cultivate 4 Life is based at Woodhouse Close Allotments and supports people in Bishop Auckland and nearby areas, offering practical help to those facing challenges that prevent them from maintaining gardens and green spaces.
Weardale Railway, an 18-mile heritage line connecting Bishop Auckland, Wolsingham and Stanhope, was rescued from administration in 2020 by The Auckland Project.
Since then, the railway has seen significant investment in infrastructure, as well as the return of heritage services and the introduction of themed journeys such as afternoon tea trains, wine and cheese experiences, and the popular Santa Express.
The planters are part of Weardale Railway's wider contribution to the S&DR200 celebrations.
Other activities include planting 200 bulbs at each station and 200 native trees and shrubs along the line.