THE Friends of Little Sutton and Ellesmere Port railway stations have been awarded ‘thriving’ certificates at the Britain in Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood awards.

The event, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society is the non competitive part of North West in Bloom, looks to welcome and recognise groups taking the first steps towards community regeneration.

Entries are visited by environmental and horticultural experts during the summer, who provide valuable feedback and helpful advice on how to develop current activities and encourage on-going improvements.

This year’s North West In Bloom initiative attracted more than 400 entries from across the North West with each project being assessed at different levels – establishing, improving, developing, thriving and outstanding.

In the Ellesmere Port area, the work at to improve stations continues - with volunteers at Overpool now hoping to brighten up their station too.

Cllr Ben Powell said: “The Friends only adopted Little Sutton Station one year ago so it’s fantastic to be judged as ‘thriving’ already really is testament to the hard work that volunteers from the community have put in.”

Volunteers are always welcome at Ellesmere Port, Little Sutton and Overpool railway stations –and no gardening skills are required. For more information contact the council’s Senior Transport Officer Sally Buttifant on 01244 976788.