AN unsung hero who helped support the TransWilts rail service by voluntarily going door to door to publicise the route has been shortlisted for a national outstanding contribution award.

Lee Fletcher was nominated for the The Association of Community Rail Partnerships by the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership for getting the message out about the service to people.

The TransWilts rail service, which links Swindon and Westbury via Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge eight times each way per day, launched in December 2013.

Graham Ellis said: “Through rain and snow, through heat waves and storms, Lee has walked the streets of Trowbridge, Melksham and Chippenham to deliver public transport information sheets and timetables.

“With the help of his work the passenger numbers using the line to, from and through Melksham rose from 18,000 journeys in 2012 to 183,000 journeys in 2014. “

Mr Fletcher will be going up against four others from around the UK for the Outstanding Volunteer Contribution category at the awards, with the winner to be announced in Torquay on October 1.

Andy McRae, Senior Publications Manager at First Great Western, said: “At First Great Western we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have such a proactive Rail Partnership on hand to help promote our services on the Swindon to Westbury route.

“Central to this effort is Lee Fletcher, a regular correspondent of mine, to request timetables, posters and leaflets, which he ensures are delivered and displayed to their maximum effect.

“This is borne out in the quite startling figures which show over a 50 per cent increase in growth on the route over the past year - a tremendous embellishment of Lee's fine work.

“As with so many of our friends in the various Rail Partnerships, Lee is a delight to engage and truly understands how to maximise the Rail Partnership and train operating company dynamic.”

Phil McMullen, Melksham Community Area Partnership Coordinator, said: “Melksham Community Area Partnership would like to gratefully acknowledge the excellent support provided to us in a voluntary capacity by Lee Fletcher during 2014.”

Horace Prickett, Portfolio Holder for Public Transport on Wiltshire Council, added: “Lee's knowledge of the towns on the TransWilts line and of railway operation, administration and politics, has meant that he is a key force in the TransWilts team.

“He has helped the council, First Great Western and the community all to pull together in a really useful, much used and loved provision.

“On top of that, his commitment and enthusiasm on the ground to do the hard dogs-body work as well is second to none, and I commend him for an ACoRP award to recognise this previously-unsung hero.”