Plymouth College's Young Enterprise company, Railtrails CIC, have reached the finals of the England Social Enterprise Awards 2012. The company, which produced a book of circular walks from branch line train stations in Devon and Cornwall, was shortlisted in the Youth-led Social Enterprise of the Year category. Although the company didn't progress to the UK finals, the book has the support of First Great Western as well as actor and travel documentarian, Michael Palin. Chris Tarrant has also given the book his endorsement.
The company has successfully sold the book via 196 retailers including Amazon, Waterstones in Plymouth and tourist information centres. Copies of the book were also bought by Plymouth Business School to go in the welcome packs of overseas students to help them explore Plymouth.
RailTrails CIC, which won the Plymouth and Devon rounds of Young Enterprise as Platform, has 'branched' out since its success in the annual competition earlier this year. The Community Interest Company, run by a team of sixth formers, has 'adopted' Gunnislake train station. Profits made from the sale of the book are being used to renovate it. Work so far includes turning out the planters and painting over graffiti. Working on Friday afternoons, the team are currently busy putting in new plants and painting.
More information about RailTrails can be found at www.railtrails.co.uk
