A former harbour railway station, which underwent a huge transformation in 2018, has been awarded with a national prize.

The ex-station in Folkestone has been honoured with the best overall entry at the 2023 National Railway Heritage Awards.

The route that once carried the boat train is now used as a footpath from the viaduct out to the popular Harbour Arm, and often hosts markets and stalls on the former platforms.

The area where the tracks were once laid can now also be used for events, shows and art installations.

On Remembrance weekend this year, drawings of soldiers were projected onto the walls of the platform, where many would have departed from during the First World War.

The National Railway Heritage Awards recognise, acknowledge and reward, for the public benefit, the very best in restoration and conservation of this country’s historic railway infrastructure.

As part of Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company’s (FHSDC) ongoing renovation of the Harbour Arm and its heritage structures, the station and its platforms were restored and reopened in spring, 2018.

Paulo Kingston-Correia, General Manager of FHSDC, said: “We are very pleased to have our extensive work to restore this deeply historic element of our site recognised in this way.

“Alongside many other beautiful, ambitious projects right across the country, to have our work chosen as the best example of sensitive renewal for the public good is really rewarding.”