TWO of Wirral's Merseyrail stations were recognised in a regional rail industry award ceremony.
Hoylake station scooped the prize for best station in Wirral, while Meols station secured the In Bloom Award at the Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards.
West Kirby, another Merseyrail station, was also acknowledged with a Highly Commended place in the In Bloom category.
On announcing the Awards, Mark Barker, Chair of Cheshire Best Kept Stations said: “These Awards are a celebration and a thank you for all the volunteers and community groups who do so much to brighten up our stations in Cheshire.
“You are all winners! This is a big thank you to you all, a party for volunteers and for those who support and encourage you; rail industry, civic leaders and local authorities.
“We can celebrate something to be truly proud of at so many of our Cheshire stations. We have seen some truly excellent work from volunteers and staff at stations right across Cheshire.”
The Awards were presented before 160 guests at The Grange Theatre, Hartford, Northwich by Brian Barnsley, Deputy Chief Executive, Community Rail Network.
Jan Foster, from The Friends of Hoylake and Meols in Bloom, said: “The Friends of Hoylake in Bloom is a self-funding voluntary group.
“Our aim is to make Hoylake and Meols a lovely place to visit, live, work and play. We do this by making the towns ‘smile’ with flowers.
“The stations are a huge part of this as it is often the first impression and lasting memory of our town for visitors and can cheer people up on the way to work and welcome them home after a hard day.”
Councillor Jeff Green was also in attendance at the awards.
He tweeted: "Congratulations to volunteers and Merseyrail for their awards at Cheshire Best kept Stations awards.
"Delighted to collect awards for Hoylake and Meols stations and highly commended for West Kirby in the ‘In Bloom’ Category. Thanks to sponsors for supporting event now in its 20th year."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here