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The three #TransformaPacer @transportgovuk competition winners have been announced! As I was one of the judges who have awarded a Pacer carriage to be converted for use, here's a bit more on:
-@airdaleNHSFT Keighley
-@FagleySchool Keighley
-@Platform_1_HD1
why I like each:

The Airdale Hospital has a clear plan for the carriage to become a mixed-use space to improve the experience of patients and local community, esp children– primarily as a relaxing, non-clinical space. Some hospitals need a bit of joy. I hope this helps to bring some smiles.

Fagley School @FagleySchool (Bradford) plans are BRILLIANT. They're planning to #transformapacer into a science laboratory to serve the school and local community as a dedicated STEM learning environment. I am very keen on #STEM education projects indeed. Ace!

Finally, @Platform_1_HD1 Huddersfield. Gosh. This one brought me to tears. A men’s mental health charity; their vision is to convert the Pacer into a new space allowing them to hold a wider range of activities for the men they support. There is kindness to be found here.

We assessed all entries' fundraising abilities, understanding of issues & practicalities of turning an old rail vehicle into an occasional-use building or asset. All shortlisted applicants were good, but those were our panel faves objectively.

Those 3 Pacer carriages may've outlasted their use on Britain's railways, but now they can bring joy, delight and education to others. It's been a privilege to be a part of the process. Kudos to @transportgovuk & @PorterbrookRail teams. I look forward to seeing their progress!

When it was announced that Pacers were to be donated for alternative use, I was at first under the impression that there would be large numbers of them made available. Is this still the case or is it just restricted to those 3?

The majority of Northern's 102 Pacers, which are owned by Angel Trains, are to be scrapped and the metal recycled - it's likely to end up abroad. The specialists awarded the contract for dismantling the units are C F Booth in Rotherham, and pictures have already emerged of the redundant Pacers waiting in their sidings to be broken up.

The first of the Class 142 generation to be manufactured, 142001, has already arrived at its new home - the National Railway Museum. Several years ago it was decided that a Pacer should be preserved for the national collection. Angel donated one to the NRM, and last week it arrived at their Locomotion site in Shildon, where it is currently being stored in the sidings. It will eventually run on a test track and give rides to visitors. It will go on display at the main site in York following redevelopment work at the attraction. The NRM will also consider loaning it to heritage lines, including the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

- The emergency services have been offered Pacers for use as training vehicles in anti-terrorism and firearms exercises, although it's not known whether any have been requested.

- Heritage railways are likely to show an interest in running Pacers on their lines - two are heading to Chasewater in Staffordshire and other units may go elsewhere.