The Ipswich to Cambridge rail line is set to be promoted as St. Edmund’s Line. It follows a competition, launched earlier this year by Greater Anglia and the Ipswich to Cambridge Community Rail Partnership (CRP), to find a promotional name for the route.

Greater Anglia said that it had received more than 1000 entries, with St. Edmund’s Line proving the most popular suggestion “by far”.

The name is a nod to Saint Edmund, who was King of the East Angles and later canonised to become a saint. Greater Anglia said his life in, and links to, the area have long been recognised, not least in the name of the town of Bury St Edmunds. Over the years, his name his been used by local authorities, and for churches and even trains. There have also been attempts to have St Edmund adopted as the patron saint of England.

Greater Anglia added that these historic links made the name St Edmund’s Line a fitting title to help raise the profile of the important regional rail axis. It comes as the CRP continues work to help promote and develop the line, consistent with the needs of the local community.

The CRP was set up in Autumn 2024 and recently held its first external stakeholder event, following the appointment of a CRP officer, a chair and the adoption of the promotional name for the line. Greater Anglia said the organisation would now ramp up its proactive work to promote the use of the railway for work, education, leisure, retail and tourism.

The CRP officer, Lesley Rayner, is already in touch with many local groups and organisations along the line and the list is expanding all the time. Initiatives are likely to include increasing the profile of St Edmund’s Line, developing promotional materials, supporting local events and improving station facilities.

Tracey Harding, Chair of what is now the St. Edmund’s Line CRP said: “We were really pleased with the high level of interest and participation in our competition to find a promotional name for the Ipswich to Cambridge line and the attractive locations it serves. The name St. Edmund’s Line was by far the most popular and really captures the essence of the area. It will help us strengthen ties with the local community and increase passenger numbers.”

Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairs, Greater Anglia, said: “We’re delighted that there was such a popular and appropriate name put forward for the Ipswich to Cambridge Line. The St Edmund’s Line title will help us raise the profile of the route and encourage more people to take the train, visit the exciting places along it, and support the local economy. We’re sure it will help this key regional rail route to continue to thrive in the years ahead.”