Last month, on the 19th December, the Branch Line Society was honoured through a locomotive naming ceremony.

GB Railfreight named the locomotive as part of a festive charter at Newcastle station.

Since 2015, the group have raised £1.5 million for numerous charities, including Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

They ran a Christmas charity charter that raised £1,200 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, GB Railfreight’s official charity partner.

To celebrate the group’s contribution, locomotive 57306 was named ‘Branch Line Society’ in a special ceremony attended by Graeme Jolley, Chairman of the Branch Line Society and Ian Grey, Head of Rail Services at GB Railfreight.

“The Branch Line Society has championed the enjoyment and understanding of Britain’s railways for generations. Dedicating locomotive 57306 in their name is our way of recognising the positive impact they make through charitable activities, and strengthens the relationship between the two organisations.”.

Ian Grey, Head of Rail Services at GB Railfreight