One of the most familiar views for travellers on the East Coast main line north of Newcastle has been the cast signs that indicate the distance to London and Edinburgh. For a number of years the condition of these signs deteriorated but a group of volunteers, most of whom worked for Network Rail, took it upon themselves to undertake the restoration of the signs during periods of line closure when the line was subject to engineering occupations. The excellent work undertaken by the group was rewarded when they won the Stagecoach Volunteers Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards held in London on 5 December 2018. The plaque awarded was officially unveiled at Edinburgh Waverley station on Monday 20 May 2019.
