FRODSHAM railway station steamed ahead of the competition to scoop the top prize in this year’s Cheshire Best Kept Station contest.
The station won the sought-after title at a ceremony at the Weaver Hall Museum in Northwich.
The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, the High Sheriff and six mayors from across the region joined Lord Mayor of Chester Eleanor Johnson to applaud Frodsham’s achievement.
The station, which is managed by Arriva Trains Wales, has been tended by the Frodsham Working Party – led by husband and wife Janet and Philip Briggs – for more than a decade.
Awards organiser John Hulme said: “My judges always look forward to visiting Frodsham as the station gets better and better.
“They were first commended in 2005 and it is their gardens and plants that make the difference.
“The small team at Frodsham are a fine example of community involvement at our Cheshire stations.”
Volunteers Janet and Philip said: “We have been tending the station since 2001 and are thrilled to win this top prize. We would like to thank all those that have supported us at the station especially our regular volunteers from the North Cheshire Rail Users Group.
“A special thank you also to students from our local schools, who worked over the years on our gardens and art work projects.”
The couple also thanked Cheshire West and Chester Council for providing bedding plants for the team’s use.
Frodsham looks set for more success in 2012 as Network Rail starts work to renovate the station’s Grade II listed building, which has been semi-derelict for many years.
Helsby railway station, also tended by members of the North Cheshire Rail Users Group, picked up the accolade for Tidiest Station in Cheshire.
Frodsham councillor Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “I would like to congratulate and thank Janet and Philip Briggs and their volunteers for making Frodsham an award winning station.
“I also congratulate Helsby and all the other stations throughout Cheshire.”
