A CAMPAIGN group aiming to improve rail services throughout East Lothian has received a top award.

RAGES (Rail Action Group, East of Scotland) has also been campaigning for the return of stations to East Linton and Haddington.

Last month, the group was invited to attend UK rail campaign organisation Railfuture’s Rail User Group Awards at Senate House, University of London.

Barrie Forrest, RAGES chairperson, and Tom Dickson, the group’s vice-chairperson, received the gold award for best campaign from Christian Wolmar, Railfuture’s honorary president.

Judges said of RAGES: “Really uplifting, impressive achievements, not just aspirations: a campaigning style which is an example to all, creating a common purpose with an inclusive approach and winning over politicians.”

Mr Forrest was “delighted” to receive the award.

He said: “The judges are national figures in the rail industry and their comments are really valuable to our campaigning, which of course continues into the future, striving for better services locally, the reopening of Haddington station and the restructuring of the fare system to make it fairer for passengers.

“The reopenings of Reston in Berwickshire and East Linton in East Lothian, due to take place shortly, will reconnect our communities to the rail network after many years of rail isolation.”

RAGES can be found at its stall at Haddington Farmers Market every month.