THE manager of a rail partnership which promotes the Tamar Valley Line has received his MBE from Prince Charles at an investiture at Buckingham Palace.

Richard Burningham of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership was awarded the MBE in the New Year's Honours List for services to the railway industry in the South West.

The Plymouth University-based company promotes rural branch lines in Devon and Cornwall and Mr Burningham led the project that saw all-year-round Sunday train services return to the Tamar Valley Line in 2001.

He was also responsible for setting up and maintaining the successful Tamar Valley Line Carnet, which recently celebrated its 15,000th sale.

He said he was touched and humbled to receive the MBE: 'This is a massive honour for the partnership as a whole and caps what was an excellent 2009 with now the best ever train service on the branch lines and a big increase in passenger numbers.

'None of this would have been possible without the stalwart support of the partners and especially the three principal local authorities, Cornwall Council, Devon County Council and Plymouth City Council.'

Mr Burningham said the investiture was quite an occasion, taking place in the palace's sumptuous ballroom.

'Each of us had a brief chat with Prince Charles and I hope I am not betraying any confidences by saying that he is very keen on seeing railways reopened. I told him that Tavistock may be rejoining the rail network.'