Avanti West Coast staff at Preston are featuring in an exhibition by the National Railway Museum that celebrates the contribution of rail workers during the pandemic.

Train Managers, Janet Bamber and Hussain Master, have shared their stories for the exhibition named Railway Heroes, which recognises the achievements of people from across the rail industry.

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Hosted on the National Railway Museum’s website, the online exhibition will feature 16 portrait photographs from renowned press photographer, Charlotte Graham.

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New profiles will be added each week, and once lockdown restrictions are lifted, a physical exhibition featuring all 16 people will open simultaneously at the National Railway Museum in York and Locomotion in Shildon.

Janet and Hussain, who work onboard Avanti West Coast trains based out of Preston, are two of the profiles to appear as part of the Museum’s efforts to showcase acts of exceptional kindness and dedication from rail workers.

Throughout the first national lockdown Janet spent seven hours a day sewing thousands of scrubs, headbands, scrub bags, ear defenders and dentist gowns for NHS workers in Lancashire.

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Janet said: “Being at home with nowhere to go, I wanted to make the most of my time and do something worthwhile. I’m passionate about sewing and volunteering my time to make scrubs and accessories seemed the best way for me to make a difference.

“It has been brilliant to play a part in helping my local community, while being able to do something I love, and I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to do this.

“It has been a humbling experience to share my story for the National Railway Museum’s Railway Heroes exhibition. We’re all one big railway family and I feel proud to help showcase the contributions we have made throughout the pandemic.”

When Hussain was not carrying out his day job to help those making essential journeys get where they needed to be and offer reassurance when travelling, he dedicated his own time to support the local community. He volunteered at the local foodbank and helped deliver hundreds of hot meals to NHS workers.

Hussain said: “I’m so proud to be playing my part to keep our vital services running for key workers and those making essential journeys, while supporting good causes in the communities we serve.

“Keeping people connected and volunteering for local charities has been so rewarding and I feel blessed to be making a difference.

“My story is one of many railway workers that have contributed to the UK’s response to COVID-19 and it is an honour to support the National Railway Museum’s work to recognise the vital role of the railway and its people, including my Avanti West Coast colleagues, during the pandemic.”

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The Railway Heroes exhibition can be viewed here.

Proud Preston. This, and many stories like it, show how the people of Preston are making a difference. Our Proud Preston section showcases all the charitable, kind, uplifting and great things about our city and the people who live here. #ProudPreston is alive and well, and there’s much to celebrate and be proud of, despite the challenging times we all face.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines