A Devon railway which has made a special effort to help cyclists has been recognised at a special awards ceremony.

The Dartmoor Railway was highly commended in the Best Whole Journey Experience award of the CycleMark award scheme.

The railway's trains have a dedicated bike carriage.

Devon County Council was also commended for developing the Granite Way Cycle Route, which runs parallel to the railway.

Biker increase

The judges also noted "the railway's pivotal role in cycle tourism on Dartmoor and its importance to the local economy".

A spokesman for the railway said: "It's great news for us.

"Since the cycleway opened earlier this year, there has really been an increase in the number of people taking bikes.

"People may do one leg on the train and then cycle back.

"It's made a difference to us and we're very pleased with the response."

Good practice

The CycleMark award scheme is sponsored by the Strategic Rail Authority.

The awards commend firms which have gone out of their way to promote the integration of cycling and rail travel.

The winners were announced on Monday at Marylebone Station in London.

Chris Austin from the Strategic Rail Authority said: "We are taking integrated transport seriously and these awards are designed to encourage good practice around the system."