Action for Children, a charity which provides help and support to more than 50,000 children and families across the United Kingdom, has been announced as Network Rail’s new chosen charity.

It was the clear winner after employees voted for the organisation they would most like to raise money for and support over the next two years.

Network Rail will now help to raise the profile and work of Action for Children as well as encouraging employees to raise money through donations and sponsored events or to volunteer their time to help the charity. The company also matches the funds raised by staff meaning every pound raised is doubled for the charity.

Martin Arter, chair of Network Rail’s charities panel, 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 as possible over the next two years.”

Action for Children chief executive Dame Clare Tickell said: “Action for Children is absolutely thrilled to be chosen as Network Rail’s Charity of Choice 2012-14. The funds raised throughout the partnership will enable us to create brighter futures for some of the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people across Britain. We have some really exciting plans for the next two years and I know that together we will make this partnership a huge success.”

Action for Children was founded in 1869 as a home for abandoned children found sleeping under Waterloo Bridge in London. Since then it has become one of the UK’s leading children’s charities working with the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people across the country who face severe difficulties in their lives. The charity also campaigns and lobbies the government to ensure children’s issues are a priority for policy makers.

The announcement follows the recent completion of a successful partnership with Cancer Research UK which saw Network Rail provide donations and support worth £2million over two years.