Mountain railway is UK's best

Pat Jones says Llanberis will benefit from the awards

Workers in Snowdonia are celebrating after their small scenic railway was named the best in Britain and the top family attraction in Wales.

The Snowdonia Mountain Railway at Llanberis is Britain's only public rack and pinion railway, running all the way from the village to the 3560ft summit of Snowdon.

Michael Roberts is delighted with the awards

It has been awarded the double accolade by the Good Britain Guide 2003, and was the only attraction in Wales to top a category.

The guide, which appears in the shops on Thursday, describes the century-old railway as 'a masterpiece of Victorian engineering which is without doubt one of the most spectacular railway journeys you could hope to go on.'

The company says the awards are down to the hard work and dedication of its staff - 90 of whom are fully-employed in the summer and 50 in the winter.

Train driver, Gwyrfai Williams, who has been working at the railway for 20 years, said everyone was delighted with the awards.

"It is really a team effort and everyone pulls together," he said.

Different views

"It's a great job in many respects as you get to see Snowdon in all its moods.

"The view you get from the train is never the same as it depends on the weather.

"Mind you it is hard work especially in the summer as it gets very hot and you are at it for long hours.

"But I particularly enjoy meeting the different people who visit us from all over the world," he said.

The railway, which is 106 years old, is open from 15 March until 1 November and attracted 130,000 visitors last year.

Passenger: Opera star Bryn Terfel

It has also offered transport to opera star Bryn Terfel, model Caprice, TV celebrity Fern Britten and Monty Python's Terry Jones.

Pat Jones, of Llanberis Partnership, said the awards would help put the village on the map.

"We want as many people as possible to be aware of what Llanberis has to offer," she said.

"These awards go a long way towards doing that.

"It also shows that people do enjoy attractions from a bygone age."

It is particularly interesting work for those who are keen on steam engines and mechanics in general

Michael Roberts

Railway's foremen, Michael Roberts, said: "We are very lucky to work in the tourist industry yet to be employed all year round.

"During the winter a great deal of time goes into maintaining and repairing the trains.

"It is particularly interesting work for those who are keen on steam engines and mechanics in general.

"During the main season the trains do go up in bad weather. I've heard some describe the such views as dramatic - but I can assure you that as a driver you soon get tired of that." he said.

The company is constantly aiming to improve the service.

Last year commentary was available for passengers travelling on the trains

In future it is hoped that the café at the summit of Snowdon can be improved to boost visitor numbers and plans already having been drawn up.