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ONE of the Island’s top tourist attractions is calling on Isle of Wight residents to help it scoop a national heritage award.
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has made it through to the final of the National Lottery Awards 2010 in the best heritage project category and is now looking for local votes to help win the prize.
The awards are the annual search to find the UK’s favourite lottery-funded project and the railway has to beat just two other finalists to win the prestigious title of the UK’s best heritage project and £2,000.
All finalists in the awards are due to appear on a BBC programme, due to be screened in September.
The railway’s restoration project has renovated Victorian and Edwardian passenger carriages and goods wagons, enabling residents and visitors to the Island to take a trip back in time on the 100-year-old steam trains. The project also involved local people in the restoration and educational aspects of the railway.
Chairman of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Steve Oates, said: "Reaching the final of the National Lottery awards is a tremendous boost to our railway so a very big thank you to everyone who has supported us so far.
"Our heritage railway has a unique collection of historic steam locomotives, Victorian and Edwardian carriages and other rare rolling stock, all of which are recognised to be of national importance.
"Lottery funding is crucial to our project, ensuring we can continue to restore, preserve and operate these unique railway vehicles for future generations to enjoy."
Public voting for the final begins at 9am today (Monday) until midday on Friday, August 13. Votes can be cast for the railway by calling 0844 686 9460 or going online www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards
Isle of Wight Steam Railway is in the final of the National Lottery Awards 2010
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