The Mayor of Crewe, Virginia, has written to the UK Secretary of State for Transport - declaring the US town's support for its UK namesake's bid to host the national HQ of Great British Railways.

Grant Shapps MP, has received the letter declaring the US town's support for Crewe's bid - aiming to beat Birmingham, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle and York to the GRB HQ.

Crewe, Cheshire, has a strong connection to the railway, as a town that grew out of the railways - it maintains strong links to this day.

Crewe is the smallest settlement left in the running for the GRB HQ (Ryan Parker).

Crewe, Virginia, which has a population of around 2,500 residents, was founded in 1888 and is also a historic railway town.

It was named after and in honour of its Cheshire counterpart.

In his letter to the Transport Secretary, Mayor Phil Miskovic spoke of the strong railway heritage that the two towns share.

He also highlighted their longstanding special relationship and the inspiration that Crewe, Cheshire, continues to provide to them.

Crewe, Virginia's town council, has also issued a resolution of support for the bid - recognising the important role that the rail industry has to play in both communities. 

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Sam Corcoran, thanked Crewe, Virginia, for the US town's support (Cheshire East Council).

Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Mayor Phil Miskovic and the wonderful people of Crewe, Virginia, for supporting our bid to host the new GBR HQ. 

"This international endorsement really highlights the impact that Crewe has had and continues to have on the rail industry and is a strong boost to our bid.

"Our towns share a really positive long-term relationship, and rail is at the very heart of both of our communities."

Last Month (July 15), UK rail minister, Wendy Morton MP, paid a visit to Crewe - aiming to understand the town's full intentions for the GRB HQ bid.

Crewe is the smallest settlement left in the running for the GRB HQ, but Wendy Morton MP told Nub News the town's population size doesn't limit its bid.

UK rail minister, Wendy Morton MP, paid a visit to Crewe last month for the town's GRB HQ bid (GOV.UK).

Mayor of Crewe, Virginia, Phil Miskovic, said: "We are extremely proud to support Crewe's bid to become the new home of Great British Railways, which would provide the town with the opportunity to continue its great rail legacy. 

"Our towns share a common railway heritage which our respective communities have worked hard with strength and vision to create, and we are inspired by Crewe's bid for this honour.

"I can't think of a more deserving place for the HQ to be established.

We've shown our support and I'd urge everyone to join us by making sure they vote Crewe."

A US flag in Crewe, Virginia. The town has a popilation of just 2,500 residents - named in honour of Crewe (Wikimedia Commons).

Simon Yates, from Crewe Town Board, recently visited Crewe, Virginia, and reached out to the namesake town for support.

While on the trip, former Mayor of Crewe Diana Yates exchanged gifts between the two Mayor's to celebrate the links between the two rail towns.

Simon Yates added: "I was fortunate enough recently while on a trip to America to get the chance to visit Crewe, Virginia and continue to grow the relationship between the two towns. 

"It's fantastic that they have now backed our bid and helped showcase Crewe's credentials for Great British Railways across the Atlantic.

"I'd like to extend a warm thanks to all the 'Crewetons' for their support." 

The public vote to give Crewe you support for the GRB HQ ends in less than two weeks (Ryan Parker).

To get involved in backing Crewe's bid, pledge your support on social media by using #HeartofRail or cast your vote HERE.

The public vote runs until 15 August 2022 and a final decision is due later this year.