Action for Children has been selected as Network Rail’s new charity of choice for the next two years.

The announcement, was made last week following a Network Rail staff vote. The company will hold sponsored activities and encourage staff to donate and spend time volunteering for the charity. All money raised by its staff will be match funded pound for pound by Network Rail.

Chair of the charities panel at Network Rail, Martin Arter said: “Action for Children works with and supports over 50,000 children and families across the country. It tackles some very difficult issues so every pound we raise and every hour we give in support will be for a very worthwhile cause.

“Our employees voted for Action for Children to be Network Rail’s chosen charity and we look forward to developing the relationship and providing as much help and support over the next two years.”

Network Rail’s previous charity partnership, with Cancer Research UK, provided £2m worth of donations and support. Network Rail will be aiming to at least match this figure between now and 2014.