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Listeners to BBC Local Radio stations in the South West are getting the opportunity to name a GWR high speed train.

Nine local stations are taking part in the promotion, with 18 listeners eventually getting the chance to decide a name.

It’s all part of BBC Make A Difference, with nominations invited to recognise people who have gone the extra mile during the pandemic.

GWR Interim Managing Director Matthew Golton said: “The GWR has a long history of naming trains after those who have made a difference in their communities, recognising past and present stars from across our network.

“As key workers ourselves we recognise only too well the sacrifices many have made to keep people safe and we want to reward their efforts. We have been keeping key workers and community heroes moving throughout the pandemic and continue to do so, and it is lovely to be able to recognise just a handful in this way.

“I am honoured that today we are able to partner with the BBC Make a Difference campaign, to recognise those who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic to meet the needs of their communities, and the communities we serve. Listening to BBC local radio we were touched by the stories that we have heard.”

GWR train name fame for food delivery champion and fancy dress runner

Thursday 17th September 2020
BBC and Great Western Railway celebrate Make a Difference Superstars

Two community heroes from Gloucestershire who selflessly helped others at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic are to have their names featured on the side of a Great Western Railway train.

Food delivery champion Emma Hurrell and fancy-dress runner Martin Heath have been chosen as BBC Make a Difference Superstars.
 
The pair were selected by judges following a link-up between the BBC and train operator GWR to celebrate those community heroes who have been going above and beyond during the pandemic.

Now plans are being made for their names to be added to either end of a high-speed Intercity Express Train.

GWR train name fame for village champion and inspirational street performer

Thursday 17th September 2020
BBC and Great Western Railway celebrate Make a Difference Superstars

Two community heroes from Devon who selflessly helped others at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic are to have their names featured on the side of a Great Western Railway train.
 
Village champion Preston de Mendonca and inspirational street performer Jeremy Doyle have been chosen as BBC Make a Difference Superstars.

The pair were selected by judges following a link-up between the BBC and train operator GWR to celebrate those community heroes who have been going above and beyond during the pandemic.

Now plans are being made for their names to be added to either end of a high-speed Intercity Express Train.

GWR train name fame for teenage fundraising hero and foodbank champion

Thursday 17th September 2020
BBC and Great Western Railway celebrate Make a Difference Superstars

Two community heroes from Cornwall who selflessly helped others at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic are to have their names featured on the side of a Great Western Railway train.
 
Teenage fundraising hero Kieron Griffin and foodbank champion Don Gardner have been chosen as BBC Make a Difference Superstars.

The pair were selected by judges following a link-up between the BBC and train operator GWR to celebrate those community heroes who have been going above and beyond during the pandemic.

Now plans are being made for their names to be added to either end of a high-speed Intercity Express Train.

GWR train name fame for food delivery volunteer and emergency response mastermind

Thursday 17th September 2020
BBC and Great Western Railway celebrate Make a Difference Superstars

Two community heroes from the Bristol area who selflessly helped others at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic are to have their names featured on the side of a Great Western Railway train.

Nailsea Support Group volunteer Iain Bugler, who sadly passed away in July, and Compassionate Community Emergency Volunteer Response mastermind Sarah Williams-Martin have been chosen as BBC Make a Difference Superstars.

The pair were selected by judges following a link-up between the BBC and train operator GWR to celebrate those community heroes who have been going above and beyond during the pandemic.

Now plans are being made for their names to be added to either end of a high-speed Intercity Express Train.