Direct Rail Services (DRS) organised a first-of-its-kind charity event in Cumbria.

The expert rail freight operator staged a photoshoot featuring one of its outstanding Class 68 locomotives and all 25 of its JNA wagons on the Cumbrian Coast Line, the first time a stationary photoshoot has been arranged on the main line at night.

The event took place on 18 December 2025, just outside Maryport, where people donated to Eden Valley Hospice for the unique opportunity to photograph the train from a private viewing point. Visitors were safely positioned well away from the tracks, and the train was stopped for 10 minutes to allow them to capture their shots.

The DRS team worked with Network Rail to ensure the event went smoothly and to time, and the train and surrounding area were specially illuminated with floodlights to create the perfect setting.

A total of £580 was raised for the charity – who provide specialist care for adults in north Cumbria who have life-limiting conditions – and the charity is an organisation close to many at DRS.

The JNA wagons are used to carry bulk aggregate and DRS has recently been using them in its work with Nuclear Waste Services’ Low Level Waste Repository site in Cumbria. They have replaced thousands of lorry journeys and saved hundreds of tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Joseph Nicholson, DRS Operations Planner and organiser of the event, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to raise money for Eden Valley Hospice and also show off how brilliant our trains look at night.

“Many people thought it couldn’t be done, but everyone came together to make it such a success. I would like to thank Network Rail, the landowner, and all my DRS colleagues.”