PASSIONATE volunteers have been rewarded for hours of dedication after four train stations were named the Best Kept in Cheshire.
During an award ceremony last week Chester, Frodsham, Helsby and Delamere railway stations were awarded prizes for everything from their impeccable gardens, clean platforms and welcoming atmospheres.
Those who spend hours working through pelting rain and freezing temperatures were rewarded for their hard work as Frodsham Station was presented with the Cheshire West and Chester award for best efforts by volunteers.
And for the 10th year running Helsby Station scooped an award, winning the best kept gardens category thanks to the hard work of the North Cheshire Rail Users Group, who maintain the picturesque four gardens, numerous planters and even a pond close to the platforms.
Meanwhile Chester Station received the Principal Stations Award which recognises larger stations which are a challenge to upkeep, and Delamere won the Youth Challenge Award in recognition of the work carried out on the gardens by young people from the Petty Pool College.
David Briggs, Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, who presented the awards, said: “The annual Cheshire Best Kept Station competition is one of the most important community events of the year in Cheshire.
“It brings together a wide range of people from all over the county who care about the environment in which we live and of course it also gives a great incentive to many groups to ensure that Cheshire stations are kept not only neat and tidy but also full of flowers and other attractions.”
The award is particularly special for Helsby volunteers as the station starts its 150th anniversary celebrations this month.
