NORTHWICH Station has won an award for its customer care in a ceremony to celebrate railway stations across Cheshire.

The 11th annual Cheshire Best Kept Stations awards ceremony was held at The Grange Theatre, in Hartford, on January 14.

Plumley village railway station scooped the top award when it was named the best in Cheshire.

Announcing the Awards, John Hulme, organiser of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, said: “Northwich Station won the Customer Care Award which reflects the accolades received for superior service.

“Over the past five years, passenger numbers at Northwich Station have increased significantly and the staff should be applauded for their customer care when issuing tickets and providing customer information.

“They also keep the booking office and platforms very clean and tidy.

“The station is also supported by a strong volunteer team who look after the station planters and in 2013 have organised a number of events to celebrate the stations 150th Anniversary.”

Plumley village railway station won the judges’ vote thanks to its welcoming gardens, overall tidiness and the Waiting Shelter Art Gallery painted by pupils from Lower Peover Primary School.

Knutsford Station won the Best Staffed Station Award and Hale won the Old Cheshire Award, also both on the Mid Cheshire Line.

Sally Buttifant, community rail officer for the Mid Cheshire Line, said: “I am absolutely delighted with these awards as they recognise the hard work and commitment of the volunteers on the Mid Cheshire Line.

“All the community volunteers on the line give their time freely and are dedicated to making our stations more hospitable for those that use our local train services.

“We all owe them a big thank you.”

Sybil Crossman, chairman of Plumley with Toft and Bexton Parish Council, said: “At Plumley, the parish council and the people of Plumley see our railway station as one of our most important assets, so we are all thrilled that our station has been voted the Best in Cheshire.

“This accolade is a tribute to Clr Tony Gabbot and his community volunteers, the station adopter and the help, support and guidance from Andy Yates and his staff at the local Plantation Garden Centre.”