Meldreth rail volunteers unveiled a giant art exhibit connecting the station to the village of Melbourn.

The Melbourn to Meldreth 'wonderpass' was unveiled on Monday, May 22 as part of Community Rail Week.

More than 100 volunteers from 40 community groups joined forces with the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership to transform the length of the underpass during the Easter break.

Royston Crow: The wonderpass was decorated by members of the community The wonderpass was decorated by members of the community (Image: Community Rail)

The idea for the 'wonderpass' came about after a survey by South Cambs District Council found that seven in 10 people avoided the area after dark.

The community rail partnership then coordinated the installation of a series of vibrant murals and improved lighting, to offer a safe and welcoming route to the station and better access to rail travel.

Local artist Bec Barnes led the project, including both the painting of the underpass and the design - which incorporated plants, flowers, mushrooms and creatures.

Volunteers taking part ranged in age from toddlers to grandparents, and included representatives from schools, youth groups and places of worship.

Reflective paint was used throughout to naturally enhance light, while the underpass's new electric lights come on earlier and stay on later.

Royston Crow: Community groups took part in painting the Meldreth to Melbourn wonderpassCommunity groups took part in painting the Meldreth to Melbourn wonderpass (Image: Community Rail)

The project was funded by grants from Melbourn and Meldreth parish councils, the district council, Govia Thameslink Railway, the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Community Rail Development Fund and SDC contractors - with support from Cambridgeshire County Council.

The official opening of the Wonderpass was part of many activities taking place across the UK from May 21 to May 28 for Community Rail Week, which celebrates the work of the country's community rail partnerships.

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Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: "Community rail partnerships and thousands of 'station friends' volunteers the length and breadth of Britain, including many across the East of England, are mobilising en masse, engaging local people and partners to raise awareness about rail travel, and get people enthused about its many benefits.

"Community Rail Week is all about connecting communities and bringing people together, while supporting and enabling more people to travel sustainably by train and access the opportunities they want."