All heritage and independent railways are automatically entered for this award. Ian Allan and his team visit and his team visit and receive reports and consider which railway is best overall.

The awards team had no hesitation in recommending the West Somerset. They noted the variety and presentation of the locomotives and rolling stock (Interestingly, the newly prepared vintage goods train featured in the photographs shown at the ceremony). The judges also commented on the quality of the track work and the care shown in the maintenance of the line’s buildings.

The visiting team also enjoyed the quality catering on offer, but they did comment that it seemed you had to be "murdered", or a murder suspect to get the best food on offer! (a reference to the Railway’s popular Murder Mystery specials).

West Somerset Railway Managing Director Mark Smith commented "It is very pleasing to win such a prestigious award in the face of stiff competition from our fellow operators of heritage railways. It is also a tribute to the high standards of work carried out consistently by our volunteers and paid staff who deliver a quality product for all our visitors throughout the year. We hope that this is currently being appreciated by passengers on our Santa Specials and other festive trains, and will continue to attract new and returning passengers in 2005"

7 December 2004 
Details from WSR Plc