WEST Midlands Railway is looking to recognise the hard working community groups from Bromsgrove, as part of their 'Cross City Hero' campaign.

The train operator has launched a competition for organisations to get in touch, including groups from Bromsgrove, Redditch, Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Longbridge, Northfield, Kings Norton, Selly Oak and Bournville.

It is part of celebrations to mark the 40 year anniversary of the line, which has grown to become the busiest commuter route outside of London.

They say the 'Cross City Heroes' could be local charities, young people’s clubs, sports teams or other community groups, making difference to the lives of people in the area, and a group will be selected from each of the 24 West Midlands Railway stations along the route.

Fay Easton, head of stakeholder and community for West Midlands Railway, said: “It would be fantastic to get a representative group based in the locality of each of our 24 Cross City Line stations. "The route is such a key part of many communities, and there is so much going on in every one of these areas.

"If you know of or are part of a group near a Cross City line station, please do make a nomination and get involved.”

Winning groups will receive a plaque of recognition at their local station, a VIP visit to see the new trains for the route, and 10 free tickets for journeys across the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway networks, to aid in their fundraising efforts.

Cllr Roger Lawrence, chair of West Midlands Rail Executive and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) portfolio holder for transport, said: “The Cross City line is by far our busiest commuter rail route and now carries more than 55,000 passengers every day.

"This is due to the significant investment we have put into the route over the years including the extension down to Bromsgrove in July this year which saw the first electric services starting to and from the town.

“We believe local rail lines are an important part of any local community and to mark the Cross City Line’s 40th anniversary we wanted to highlight and acknowledge some of the selfless work people in those communities are doing to help others.”

The competition is open until March 31 before the winners are announced in April.

Groups can be nominated online at westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/crosscityheroes and the campaign will feature online using the hashtag #crosscityheroes.