Community Rail Cumbria, station volunteer groups and partners unite to celebrate the opening of Cumbria’s railways 175 years ago, as part of their Project 175 initiative.

Project 175 is a year-long celebration of Cumbria’s railway (Furness Line and Lakes Line) with activities including community events, exhibitions, artwork, plaques, and planting at stations in the region. Highlights included:

• A Northern train has been given the honourary name ‘Pride of Cumbria’ to celebrate 175 years of the railway in the region. The Class 195 train’s new name was unveiled at a ceremony at Barrow-in-Furness station by Mayor Helen Wall and it will proudly display its new nameplate as it provides services along the line in Cumbria as well as on routes in the north west and Yorkshire.

• Working in partnership with Community Rail Cumbria, Lakes Line Rail User Group (LLRUG), industry partners and local authorities, Avanti West Coast has unveiled a commemorative plaque at Oxenholme station to mark the 175th anniversary of the Lakes Line.

These events were organised by special Project 175 committees, set up especially for the planning and delivery of these events and supported by Community Rail Cumbria.

Find out more about the work of Community Rail Cumbria here.