Styal Station won the Rising Star Award and 3rd place in the Cheshire Life Photographic Award at the recent Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards Evening.
A record attendance of 180 people saw 17 stations in the former county of Cheshire 'score' at Crewe Alexandra Football Club when Cheshire Best Kept Stations Annual Awards were held on Thursday 6th February.
When the Village Association adopted the station, activity on the station was energised. As well as volunteer working parties to tidy up and do some painting, rail safety training was organised at the station for classes at the village school featuring Arlo the Badger and his adventures.
Additionally, an eye-catching map mural was produced featuring local attractions leaving visitors in no doubt where they are. They also came third in the Cheshire Life Photographic Award - the photograph was taken by Sarah Ward-Novak.
Sarah Ward-Novak of Styal Village Association said: "Having recently adopted Styal station, this was our first year at the awards. We were over the moon, that we won a couple of awards. It is lovely to know that the work the volunteers are doing is being recognised."
The Awards were presented by Mr Craig Harrop, Regional Director West & Central for Northern Railway.
On presenting the awards, Craig Harrop said "It's fantastic to be part of this celebration of volunteers and the local railway community, who through their incredible skills, passion and hard work, help to brighten up stations across the county. Our community partners are the heartbeat of the railway and we're extremely proud to work closely with them to deliver such a wide-ranging positive impact across Cheshire and the North of England."
On announcing the Awards, Mark Barker, Chair of Cheshire Best Kept Stations said: "Tonight's Awards Evening is a celebration for all the volunteers and community groups who do so much to brighten up our stations in Cheshire. You are all winners! – whether or not you pick up an award tonight.
Tonight, at our new venue Crewe Alexandra Football Club, we are saying a big thank you to volunteers and for those who support and encourage you – the rail industry, civic leaders and local authorities. You deserve it. You should be proud of your work at so many of our Cheshire stations. We have seen some truly excellent work from volunteers and staff at stations right across Cheshire."
