Severn Valley Railway awarded after Mor Brook bridge collapse
Railway achieves recognition for overcoming landslip aftermath
The Severn Valley Railway has been honoured with the Chairman’s Special Award at the 2026 Heritage Railway Association awards.
The ceremony took place on 7th March in Llandudno, recognising the significant efforts of volunteers, staff, and partners in restoring the railway following the Mor Brook bridge collapse.
Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, chairman of the Heritage Railway Association, highlighted the exceptional achievement:
“After suffering a devastating landslip at Mor Brook, severing the railway into two, the railway was told it could take nine to 12 months to recover, but in reality, the line was reinstated in only six months. A significant achievement and, with remedial works taking just eight weeks, the railway then welcomed 60103 Flying Scotsman to reopen the line on a date that was thought impossible when the landslip took place.”
Severn Valley Railway’s restoration efforts
Managing director Gus Dunster praised the Severn Valley Railway team, acknowledging their success in overcoming last year's challenges:
“I’m immensely proud of the whole team across the Severn Valley Railway, who triumphed last year in the face of extreme adversity. We are delighted to have won the Chairman's Special Award for the team of SVR volunteers, staff, and the numerous industry partners that achieved the daunting task of reinstating our railway after the devastating damage at Mor Brook in 2025.”
Dunster also commended young volunteer Jack Baldwin, who was nominated for the Rising Star Award:
“It was also fantastic that one of our young volunteers, Jack Baldwin, was nominated in the Rising Star Award category and was highly commended for his work in engineering and for his project management and leadership skills working on the HydroShunter project, a joint venture with Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions. Jack is a major young talent who I am certain will go on to make a significant contribution to this industry in his career.”
Other notable achievements
The railway had further notable entries in the awards, including commendations for the restoration of Great Western Railway coach No 9581 into an accessible buffet and saloon car, and the Boogie Lights Express being recognised for Innovation of the Year.