The Kent & East Sussex Railway has reached the regional finals of the Muddy Stilettos Awards for the second consecutive year, competing in the Best Family Experience category.

The heritage line, based in Tenterden, secured the title last year when the category was newly introduced in the UK-wide awards celebrating independent lifestyle businesses.

After progressing through nominations and an initial voting round, the railway now faces nine other Kent attractions for the regional title. The awards cover 21 categories, and invite the public to show appreciation for local favourites.

The outcome will be determined by public vote, with voting open until 1 pm on 26 May on the Muddy Stilettos website.

“We are delighted that for the second year running our visitors have voted us into the regional finals of this prestigious Award. The goal of everyone involved in running our railway is to give each and every passenger an authentic, fun and memorable day out. It is therefore wonderful to know that we are bringing that full heritage railway experience to a new generation who will love it and therefore want to cherish it as much as we do.”

Derrick Bilsby, K&ESR Chairman.