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City attraction scoops prestigious award

John Devine
BBC News, Peterborough
John Devine/BBC Brian Pearce, 76, has a full head of grey hair. He is wearing dark glasses and a green fleece top with the logo on from Railworld Wildlife Haven. He is holding an award made of glass that is engraved.John Devine/BBC
Brian Pearce said he was "thrilled and delighted" that hard work from volunteers over 40 years had paid off

A Peterborough visitor attraction has scooped a major accolade at a glitzy London awards ceremony.

Railworld Wildlife Haven was founded in 1985 and is a museum dedicated to the world of rail, but is also a site for nature and wildlife.

It won Sustainable Project of the Year at the Museums and Heritage Awards, beating competition including from the likes of the Natural History Museum.

The event organisers said the attraction had "showcased an incredible vision and dedication", with Railworld describing itself as having "crazy, passionate volunteers".

John Devine/BBC A large sign for Railworld Wildlife Haven with photos and information. It is on a white wooden fence and beyond it are some real trains from its collection.John Devine/BBC
Mr Pearce said the site was previously a derelict coal yard and had since been transformed into an inner city green space

The awards ceremony was held at the Hilton Hotel in London last week.

Railworld won the joint top category prize for its "Entertain and Educate about our Amazing Planet" project, along with Stourbridge's Glass Museum for its eco-friendly upcycled glass exhibition.

Brian Pearce, 76, the chairman of Railworld, said: "When we saw that the Natural History Museum were in it [our category], we thought we'd have no chance."

John Devine/BBC Becky White, 45, has a green bobble hat on and blue fleece. In the background are picnic benches and greenery.John Devine/BBC
Attraction manager Becky White said it was a huge shock to scoop the top prize

Attractions manager Becky White, 45, said it was wonderful to see the volunteers getting rewarded for their efforts, with the site celebrating its 40th anniversary.

"We have about 20 volunteers from all walks of life and they give so much, and hopefully make such a difference to the people of Peterborough and beyond," she said.

The award was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and she hoped in future it could help provide a financial boost, as it looks to rebuild a Victorian railway station building at the site.

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