The Chairman of Crewe Alexandra football club has rallied fans to vote for Crewe to become the new headquarters of Great British Railways.

Charles Grant, who became The Railwaymen's chairman in spring 2021, wants supporters to vote online for Crewe to win the bid.

He is the latest big name to pledge their support for Crewe's GBR campaign.

The bid has already been backed by famous names such as music producer Peter Waterman, Crewe Nub News, and even Crewe's sister town in Virginia USA.

Crewe is up against six other towns, so every vote counts! (Image - Ryan Parker)

And now Mr Grant is the latest significant figure to publicly back the campaign.

He hopes that fans will make their voices heard to help bring major investment and improvements to the town.

"Crewe has unrivalled railway heritage and it has been in the blood of local people for generations," he said.

"That heritage is reflected in our club's nickname The Railwaymen, which is something we are very proud of.

Charles Grant became chairman of Crewe Alexandra in April 2021. (Image - Crewe Alexandra FC)

"Our club has always been an active member of a great local community, and winning the right to be the home of Great British Railways would be a massive boost for the town bringing significant benefits."

Crewe has been shortlisted along with five other towns and cities to be the location of Great British Railways' new base.

Public support will play a crucial role in determining the site of Great British Railways' new headquarters.

This will mean trains across the country will be operated from Crewe, should they win.

Crewe Alexandra's chairman joins other big names backing the bid such as Crewe's MP Dr Kieran Mullan. (Image - Crewe GBR Bid)

"I'm sure everybody in the area shares my view that Crewe is the natural home for Great British Railways overseeing rail travel from next year, and I'd like to encourage our loyal supporters to place their votes to help make it happen," he added.

Cheshire East Council's bid for the HQ to be in Crewe has made the final shortlist, along with Newcastle, Derby, Doncaster, York and Birmingham.

Great British Railways is planned to take over the running of the country's railway system from Network Rail next year, and could bring hundreds of jobs to Crewe.

Each bid will be measured on a number of criteria, including fitting in with 'levelling up' objectives, being connected and easy to get to, having railway heritage and links to the network, offering value for money and winning public support.

Cheshire East Council's believes Great British Railways to Crewe 'would be the catalyst for the regeneration of the area' with investment in the town's roads, pavements and cycle lanes, plans to grow housing, and developing 'clear career pathways' for young people among the potential benefits.

You can back Crewe's bid by visiting the Great British Railways website and casting your vote here.

Members of the public have until August 15 to register their votes.

You can learn more about why Crewe should be chosen here.