A group of Scouts were excited to see a plaque bearing their name that will soon be installed at Redditch railway station.

1st Astwood Bank Scout Group were chosen as one of 24 community organisations to receive a plaque of recognition at local railway stations on the Cross City Line between Redditch / Bromsgrove, Birmingham and Lichfield.

Children from the group met at the station to take a look at their plaque, ahead of its permanent display this summer.

Nominations for Cross City Heroes winners were put forward by passengers, residents and railway staff as part of a competition to celebrate 40 years of services on the Cross City Line.

A variety of local clubs, charities and community groups were nominated before being judged by representatives from West Midlands Railway and West Midlands Rail Executive to form the final list of 24 winners.

Sally Payne, group leader for 1st Astwood Bank Scouts, said: “Scouting is all about developing skills for life, and being able to use public transport and get out into the community is one way in which Scouting helps young people prepare for their future.

"As a Scout group we’ve used the train for days out from Scout camp and even travelled to an international camp in Holland using the train, underground and overnight ferry.

"Getting to and from camp using public transport is as much of an adventure as the camp itself!

"We are delighted that our group has been recognised as one of the Cross City Heroes and to have had the opportunity to meet the people who run our trains and railway at Redditch station.”

Fay Easton, head of stakeholder and community for West Midlands Railway, said: “The Cross City Line connects communities across North Worcestershire to Birmingham, and is a big part of many people’s lives.

"Getting young people to use the train with confidence can open up so many opportunities for them, so it is always great to be able to welcome groups like this onto our stations and trains.

"1st Astwood Bank Scouts clearly make a positive impact on those around them, so it is a pleasure to be able to recognise the group with a plaque at Redditch station as part of our Cross City Heroes competition.”

Other local groups receiving plaques are: Pride of Longbridge at Longbridge station; Scouts Bromsgrove at Barnt Green station; Someone at the Door Samba Band at Alvechurch; The basement Project at Bromsgrove Station.

For the list of winning Cross City Heroes groups visit https://bit.ly/2WuPPcb