Highest Civic Honour Award to Volunteers Preserving World’s Oldest Railway

Volunteers at the historic Tanfield Railway have been awarded the Durham County Council Chairman’s Medal, the highest civic honour in County Durham.

The prestigious award was presented on Sunday, 25th October 2026, during the railway’s end-of-season volunteer social events, capping off a landmark year of celebrations.

The Chairman’s Medal recognises individuals and groups who have made an extraordinary contribution to their local community, the county, and the heritage sector. Run by volunteers for over 50 years, the Tanfield Railway currently relies on a dedicated team of around 200 people ranging in age from 14 to 94.

Together, these volunteers maintain and operate a three-mile heritage line that welcomes approximately 30,000 visitors each year, establishing Tanfield as one of the North East’s leading visitor attractions and UK's industrial heritage railway.

Speaking on the award, David Watchman, General Manager of Tanfield Railway, said:

"Each year, our dedicated volunteers put in thousands of hours to preserve and develop the Tanfield Railway. Ranging in age from 14 to 94, it never ceases to amaze me the sheer passion they bring to everything they do.

"From those in the workshops maintaining our historic locomotive fleet and rolling stock, to those ensuring our grounds and stations are meticulously kept, to those serving teas and coffees, or operating the trains themselves, this medal is dedicated to each and every one of them, both past and present. Without the people of Tanfield Railway, the railway simply wouldn't exist."

The award was formally presented by the Vice-Chairman of Durham County Council, Cllr Jackie Teasdale.

Recognising the achievement, Cllr Rodiss, Chairman of Durham County Council, said:

"I am delighted to recognise all those who help to preserve Tanfield Railway. Their extraordinary contribution to their local community, the wider county, and to the heritage sector is hugely appreciated, with their efforts helping to attract visitors from far and wide and boost the county’s economy.

"In turn, the railway and its community has also helped to support the health and wellbeing of those who volunteer, provide upskilling opportunities and help people find new career directions, creating opportunities for all volunteers, but especially those younger ones stepping into engineering and customer-facing roles."

Following the conclusion of the main passenger season, the railway's next train operations will be its popular Mince Pie Specials, running on 27th, 28th, and 31st December.

With exciting preservation and operational projects continuously underway, Tanfield Railway is always on the lookout for new volunteers to lend a hand across all departments. For more information on visiting or joining the team as a volunteer, please visit https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/.