Local train operator Northern Railways has had two projects short listed in the National Rail Awards taking place in London on 17 September 2025.
A Try the Train group at Burnley Manchester Road station – photographer unknown
The two projects short listed are:
Try the Train – shortlisted for Accessibility Achievement of the Year
Try The Train is a fully funded engagement programme by Northern and Community Rail Lancashire that builds rail confidence through hands-on learning, including interactive workshops, guided journeys, and personalised support. Designed to be flexible and participant-led, it supports a wide range of groups such as individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent participants, ESOL learners, older adults, and those facing economic hardship. With 417 participants to date and 82% feeling ready to travel independently afterward, the programme has seen growing demand and now has a waiting list for 2025. With demand for the programme increasing, there is now a waiting list of prospective groups wanting to take part in 2025 and beyond.
St Anne’s – shortlisted for Small Station of the Year award
As part of the shortlisting process, judges from the National Rail Awards visited stations across the country and identified the best for the small, medium, large and major categories with St Anne’s announced as a finalist. They were assessed on accessibility, information provision, ticketing infrastructure, customer service and overall presentation. Consideration was also given to the station’s links with its local community.
Spring Clean at St Annes – photo © Tony Ford
Northern has a total of five shortlisted nominations including to tow above but the others can be seen below:
Northern colleagues shortlisted for National Rail Awards
Northern has five finalists at this year’s National Rail Awards.
Three Northern colleagues have been shortlisted for awards for their outstanding personal contribution while Northern was also shortlisted as a finalist in the Accessibility Achievement of the Year category for its innovative Try the Train programme with Community Rail Lancashire. On top of this, St Anne’s has been shortlisted for the Small Station of the Year award.
Britain’s biggest rail awards celebrate the achievements and excellence across every aspect of the railway. Known as the ‘Railway Oscars’, the awards recognise outstanding accomplishments over the last year.
With the ceremony and the winners set to be announced on 17 September at Grosvenor House Hotel in London, we wish all of our colleagues the best of luck!
Martin Redfern, Driver, Hull – shortlisted for Outstanding Personal Contribution
Martin Redfern has been a dedicated driver for Northern since 2004 and has been a mentor for 8 of those years, mentoring at least 11 trainees. Known for his vast knowledge, patience, and infectious enthusiasm, Martin consistently goes above and beyond to support not only his trainees but also fellow drivers. Martin’s ethic and training has created a lasting impression on those he has mentors with many going on to be mentors themselves with Martin’s legacy at Northern being passed down to the next generation of drivers.
James Hallett, Conductor, Leeds – shortlisted for Outstanding Personal Contribution
James Hallett, a conductor based in Leeds, displayed remarkable professionalism, compassion, and quick thinking during a medical emergency on his train in January. When a six-month-old baby named Austin experienced a life-threatening complication due to a dislodged brain drainage tube, James swiftly provided medical supplies and emotional support, helping the family stay calm and coordinate emergency care. Thanks to his actions, the baby received urgent treatment and is now recovering well. James’s response went far beyond his duties, earning heartfelt gratitude from the family, exemplifying the dedication of our Northern colleagues.
Becky Styles, Regional Community and Sustainability Manager – shortlisted for Outstanding Personal Contribution
Becky began her Northern career in 2011 as a conductor quickly progressing to assessor, then Conductor Team Manager at Piccadilly, where she became increasingly involved in community rail initiatives. Now serving as Regional Community and Sustainability Manager – and also taking on Stakeholder Manager duties – she has built strong relationships with stakeholders and consistently goes above and beyond, from supporting events like the UCI Cycling Championships to stepping in for conductor duties. Becky is a passionate ambassador for Northern and for women in rail, regularly engaging with schools, media, and community projects. Her dedication extends beyond work, volunteering with local charities and her running club, while continuing to both learn and share her knowledge with others.
