Frodsham and Helsby railway stations were victorious once again at the Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards.

Frodsham scooped the top prize and was named Best Kept Station in the county at the 12th annual awards evening at the Grange Theatre in Hartford last week.

Awards were presented by retired major Eddie Pickering, secretary of the Cheshire Regiment Association, during the First World War commemoration-themed evening, which was attended by more than 200 guests including Lord Mayor of Chester Bob Rudd and High Sheriff of Cheshire Susan Sellers.

NCRUG volunteer Ian Whitley, Lord Mayor of Chester Cllr Bob Rudd, NCRUG volunteer Pauline Jenkinson and Eddie Pickering
NCRUG volunteer Ian Whitley, Lord Mayor of Chester Cllr Bob Rudd, NCRUG volunteer Pauline Jenkinson and Eddie Pickering

Helsby Station won the Cheshire West and Chester Award, continuing its track record of securing an accolade every year since the competition started in 2003.

Organiser John Hulme paid tribute to the North Cheshire Rail Users Group (NCRUG), whose volunteers have diligently tended the stations for many years.

Janet Briggs, chairperson of the NCRUG, said: “NCRUG were delighted when Frodsham Station was named as the overall winner at the awards evening.

“Over the last three years, the station has undergone major changes with the complete restoration of the Grade 2 listed building now partly occupied by Frazar James Hair Design.

“In addition, the heritage railings have been renovated and painted, a considerable length of new fencing installed and customer information screens together with ticket machines now available on the platforms.

“NCRUG would also like to thank the town and borough councils and all the other organisations who have contributed to creating such a welcoming and pleasant environment resulting in increased use of the station.”

Mayor of Frodsham Cllr Allen Wales added: “On behalf of Frodsham, I congratulate the North Cheshire Rail Users Group, especially Janet and Philip Briggs, on our lovely station being declared the best in Cheshire 2014.

“Also thanks go to Simon and Jan Chang at Frazar James Hair Design who support and help the volunteers.

“Throughout the seasons, the station is always tidy and the gardens colourful and full of flowers.

“To be best in Cheshire is an accolade that our town is very proud of.”

Chester Station won the Marketing Cheshire Award for promoting and welcoming visitors to the city.

Frodsham, Helsby and Chester are all Arriva Trains Wales stations.