A CHILDREN's book about the Plymouth to Gunnislake Tamar Valley Line has been shortlisted in the National Community Rail Awards.

The book, 'Time Travelling Train on the Tamar Valley Line', was written and illustrated by students from Plymouth University with the assistance of school children from Drake Primary in Keyham, Plymouth and tells the history of the Tamar Valley Line and the area it serves through a variety of characters.   

Students and children made a number of visits on the train and several Tamar Valley residents helped with background material about the line and area's history, including, from Bere Alston,  local historian and former railwayman John Snell and, from Bere Ferrers, Clive Charlton and Tamar Belle Co-ordinator Chris Grove.

The book has been shortlisted in the 'Involving Young People' category and was nominated by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership which worked with the university to produce it.

Plymouth University student Rachel Gippetti, author of the book, said: 'I am thrilled that our book has been shortlisted for this award.

'Writing it was a fantastic experience.

'Not only did I get to discover the fascinating stories of the Tamar Valley and its railway, but I have learnt all about writing and editing books which should be great preparation for life after university.'

Rebecca Catterall, from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, said: 'I am delighted the book has been shortlisted in this category as the young people involved worked really hard and gave up a lot of their time to produce a fantastic book about a beautiful area.'

The book is on sale, price £5, at a number of local outlets and is also available through Plymouth University Press at http://estore.plymouth.ac.uk">http://estore.plymouth.ac.uk

The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership is a non-profit partnership between local authorities, the rail industry and Plymouth University which works to promote rural branch lines in the two counties.

The National Community Rail Awards celebrate the work being done to promote and enhance Britain's local and rural railways around the country.

The award ceremony is being held in Sheffield later this month.