MERSEYRAIL has been named operator of the year at the National Rail Business Awards in London.

It is the first time the organisation has secured this accolade, building on its success as a high performer in the biannual National Rail Passenger Survey and the annual Which? train poll, as well as on the plaudits won at the North of England Excellence Awards in November.

Alan Chaplin, interim managing director at Merseyrail, said: "Merseyrail has an enviable track record for winning awards, and it's great to be recognised yet again.

"But, we remain determined to working hard and providing an excellent service for customers. This means constantly appraising and challenging the way we do things, innovating and applying best practice."

Cllr Mal Sharp, Merseytravel's lead member for rail, added: "We’re really pleased that Merseyrail continues to receive national recognition for the quality of service it provides, which is testament to the locally managed arrangements in place.

"We are always keen to improve the passenger experience, and projects such as the refurbishment of Hamilton Square and schemes across the network to improve access illustrate this."