Photographers asked to tell story of rail travel

The digital exhibition will be part of celebrations marking the start of the modern railway.

To mark 200 years of the modern railway photographers are being asked to take pictures that show how train travel connects communities.

On 27 September 1825 the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway launched the start of a new era of transport using steam.

Wiltshire community interest company TransWilts and The Arts Society Kington Langley in Chippenham (TASKL) have launched a photography competition, with the winning entries going on display at rail stations.

Sophie Martin from TransWilts said: "It's a chance for everyone, from those equipped with just a smartphone and a good eye to those who regularly snap for pleasure, to be part of a project that puts community at its heart."

TransWilts was set up to promote not just rail travel but also ways of getting to train stations without using a car.

Bob Morrison from the group said it is now turning its attention to the sustainability of the industry.

"At the moment we have diesel trains but looking ahead we hope to be less reliant on fossil fuels," he said.

Every image submitted to the competition will be included in a digital exhibition put together by TASKL, which supports arts in education.

Heather Leach, TASKL Arts Volunteer said they wanted to get "the greatest amount of people to celebrate the railways".

The 200-year commemoration of modern railways coincides with the recent renationalisation of the South Western Railway.

The railways were originally nationalised in 1948 before privatisation in 1994 by the Conservatives under John Major.

But on 25 May 2025 Labour took back control of South Western Railway when the operator's contract ran out, as part of its pledge to 'Get Britain Moving Again', promising "reliable, affordable and accessible transport for all".