STUDENTS at Petty Pool College have been praised for their efforts towards the latest success for Delamere Railway Station.

The station was named as the Most Improved Station in the annual Cheshire Best Kept Station Awards.

Praise for the students came from Sally Buttifant, Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership (CRP) Officer.

Mid Cheshire CRP has worked over the years at Delamere Station with the local primary school and the Forestry Commission, planting out plants donated by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

In 2012 Petty Pool College approached the CRP, having helped the commission with the station planting, and asked if it could take on the station gardens to provide its students with a real-life situation.

“The CRP was delighted, and over the past four years the relationship has developed and the students are doing more and more on the station,” said Sally.

“They enjoy their time at the station, and it boosts their confidence.”

“They get positive feedback from passengers while working there and know their efforts make a difference everyone can see.

“Passengers benefit from seeing the tidy, cared-for station gardens and planters, and the students benefit from getting involved.

“They are full Station Friends of Delamere, helping to care for the station, keeping it tidy and blooming.

“The partnership between the college and Mid Cheshire CRP is win-win, and the college is absolutely thrilled with the Most Improved Station award.

“The students work hard at the station, and love to have their work recognised.”

Delamere is managed by Northern, and is one of a number of local stations to score success in this year’s awards, including Knutsford, Holmes Chapel, Goostrey and Chelford.

The awards were held at The Grange Theatre at Hartford.

Mark Barker, awards chairman, said: “The awards are a celebration and a thank you for all the volunteers and community groups who do so much to brighten up our stations in Cheshire.

“It’s not just about the winners; the event was a party for everyone who support and encourage the rail industry.

“We have seen some excellent work from volunteers and staff at stations around Cheshire.”