Train operating company GWR (formerly First Great Western) scooped the Major Possessions, Projects and Central Station Team award – the highest honour within the outstanding operating team category – at the Institute of Railway Operators’ Golden Whistle Awards, held at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square.

The company also won two silver awards for regional and intercity operational performance, while customer services training manager Ashley Bray, from Newton Abbot, was highly commended in the Outstanding Individual category.

Unlike other industry awards, the Golden Whistles are dedicated to people who work in railway operations.

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: ‘Congratulations to all our award winners, and to Ashley, for his commendation in the Outstanding Individual category.

‘These results clearly show our commitment to Building a Greater West and investing in what we know our customers want to see, as well as reflecting the hard work of thousands of GWR colleagues.

‘I am immensely proud of these awards and the work put in by all of our dedicated staff.’

Meanwhile, 33-year-old Mr Bray, who has worked for the company for 15 years, has been nominated for the Young Rail Professional of the Year at the Rail Business Awards, which take place at the London Hilton, Park Lane, at the end of this month.