Reopened railway station wins national prize

Ashington station reopened in December 2024 as part of the restoration of the Northumberland Line

A railway station which was reopened after a 60-year gap has won a national competition.

Ashington opened in December 2024 as part of the restoration of the Northumberland Line and has now been crowned Britain's most life-changing in the World Cup of Stations.

It stood out for its "remarkable comeback story", for transforming travel and reflecting the town's "proud sporting heritage", the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said.

The contest was to mark 200 years since the first modern railway between Stockton and Darlington opened and attracted more than 330 nominations which became a shortlist of 20, with 24,000 people voting.

Artwork by local schoolchildren is showcased at the station and the Ashington Local Heroes Walking Tour starts and ends there.

The town was home to World Cup winners Jack and Bobby Charlton, along with fellow footballer Jackie Milburn.

Cricketers Steve Harmison and Mark Wood are also from the town and are reflected in the station's design.

Ashington is also home to the internationally-renowned Pitmen Painters art group.

'Transform lives'

Jacqueline Starr, RDG chief executive officer said: "As we celebrate 200 years of rail history, Ashington shows how investing in stations can transform lives linking people to opportunity, pride, and possibility."

The Northumberland Line was one of many to be axed as part of the Beeching cuts to the railway in the 1960s.

Trains started running on the line between Newcastle and Ashington at the end of 2024. Some stations will not open until 2026.

Leader of Conservative-run Northumberland County Council, Councillor Glen Sanderson, said: "The opening of Ashington has been another real boost for the town and this will mean it has yet another World Cup Winner to be proud of."

He said he was "absolutely delighted" the town had won and that the rail line had been "transformational" creating new opportunities, learning, skills, tourism and employment.