Chiltern Railways is set to provide £145,000 to 12 projects looking to deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits.

The projects, part of the operator's Community Investment Fund, will benefit areas in Oxfordshire, Birmingham, Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire, and London.

Last year's funding helped more than 250 people, including refugees and youth groups, boosting their rail confidence.

Zach Bailey, regional growth manager at Chiltern Railways, said: "After the initial success of last year’s community fund to engage communities across the rail network, we are delighted to be funding a further 12 projects this year.

"From working with our existing Community Rail Partnerships in Oxfordshire and Warwickshire to delivering joint projects with new organisations such as Buckinghamshire New University and The Roald Dahl Museum, I’m confident the projects will improve station environments and help to engage local people as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of UK railways in 2025."

The 2024/25 funded projects include several community artwork schemes across the Chiltern network, such as a Roald Dahl-themed display at Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire, and a community mural project at Bicester North.

Projects to promote businesses and charities, including a community gallery at Banbury Station with Banbury Business Improvement District, also received funding.

Other initiatives include planting schemes outside High Wycombe Station, biodiversity projects at Gerrards Cross, Aylesbury, and Stoke Mandeville stations, and rail confidence trips for marginalised young people or survivors of modern slavery.