THE Mid-Hants Railway Watercress Line is celebrating after steaming off with the Bronze Award for Access and Inclusivity at The Beautiful South Awards 2016.

The ceremony was held on Monday evening at the Ageas Bowl Hilton, hosted by HeartFM’s Toby Anstis, where the coveted trophies were handed out to the South’s top tourism businesses.

After months of deliberation by the dedicated judging team consisting of top industry figures, the winners and finalists in a variety of categories were celebrated for their achievements and contribution to the South’s thriving tourism industry.

The Mid Hants Railway Ltd, famously nicknamed ‘The Watercress Line’ in the early 20th Century for its role in transporting the crop to London, is Hampshire’s only standard gauge heritage railway. It runs for 10 miles through idyllic countryside along the border of the South Downs National Park, between the market towns of Alton and Alresford.

A ‘living history’ attraction, it runs a timetable with something for everyone, from families to enthusiasts, from February to October and throughout December with standard running days and many special events. These include Day Out With Thomas, War on the Line, Wizard Weekend, Steam Galas and Santa Specials. Other popular services include the famous Real Ale Train, The Watercress Belle, and the Countryman Dining trains.

Opened on October 2, 1865, as the Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway, it became part of British Railways until its hotly-contested closure in 1973. The line and services were quickly reinstated by a dedicated preservation group and today the Watercress Line is one of the South’s premier visitor attractions, attracting 125,000 visitors annually with a turnover of more than £2m.

Mid Hants Railway employs 50 staff and eight engineering apprentices, but is supported by more than 450 dedicated volunteers without whom it could not function. It is committed to preserving Hampshire’s railway heritage and maintains a fleet of steam and diesel locomotives, rolling stock and infrastructure that create the essence of a bygone age.

Commenting on Beautiful South Award success, Colin Chambers, chairman and chief executive of Mid-Hants Railway Watercress Line, said: “We were absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive the Bronze Award for Access and Inclusivity at the ceremony last night.

“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers at Mid-Hants Railway in ensuring access for all to this jewel in the Hampshire countryside, and in demonstrating exceptional customer service for all our visitors, including those with impairments and other access needs.”

Nigel Smith, chief executive of Tourism South East, said: “Last night was a reminder of just how much the quality of tourism businesses in the South improves every year. Many of the winners are truly world class.  Achieving excellence isn’t easy – it takes vision, years of commitment, hard work and talented people. All the finalists can be proud about their achievements and the example they are setting for others to follow.”