RAILWAY stations in the Knutsford and Holmes Chapel area are on the right track to becoming first class, clinching five awards at this year’s Cheshire Best Kept Stations.

The 12th Annual Awards Evening for Cheshire Best Kept Stations took place on January 13 at The Grange Theatre, Hartford, and was attended by more than 200 guests, including the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Susan Sellers.

Knutsford, Plumley, Chelford, Goostrey and Holmes Chapel stations were all recognised at ceremony, scooping individual awards.

Knutsford Station won the ‘In Bloom Award', recognising the work carried out by station staff and the Knutsford in Bloom volunteer group.

Knutsford Town Mayor Clr Neil Forbes said: “I congratulate Knutsford and the other stations that won Awards.

“At Knutsford, this is a credit to the station staff and all the volunteers that give their valuable time on the station.

“Our local station is one to be proud of and as we won the ‘In Bloom Award’, I must extend special thanks to the Knutsford in Bloom team.

“Blooming marvellous – couldn’t be more pleased for all concerned.”

Plumley Station scooped the ‘Best Kept Gardens Award’ after impressing judges with its extensive wildflower meadow garden and planted areas.

Clr Tony Gabbott, chair of Plumley with Toft and Bexton Parish Council, said the Friends of Plumley Station were delighted with the award.

He added: “Our thanks go to all who have helped transform the station over the past two years, including Andy Yates from the Plantation Garden Centre and Paul and Hazel Frith at All Turf Ltd.

“The introduction of the wild flower meadows planted by All Turf created a stunning display which we hope to expand in 2015.”

Chelford Station won the ‘Cheshire East Award’ in recognition of the work carried out by village volunteers, which included a World War One Remembrance Garden.

Clr Kath Gildon, chair of Chelford Parish Council, said: “Chelford Parish Council and all of our residents are very proud of our station volunteers for winning their eighth award as a Cheshire Best Kept Station.

“I would like to say a special thank you to Barbara and Tony Ike and Heather and Peter Hammond for all their dedicated hard work over the years.

“They are an inspiration to us all.”

Goostrey Station won the ‘Most Improved Award’ for the continued effort by The Friends of Goostrey Station.

Peter Godfrey, chair of Goostrey Parish Council, said the council is delighted The Friends of Goostrey Station have been recognised.

He added: “The parish council is also pleased that Goostrey Community Primary School has played its part in winning this award by mounting five exciting exhibitions of children’s art at the station.”

Holmes Chapel Station won the ‘Best Staffed Station in Cheshire Award’ for positive customer experience.

Steve Ranger, chairman Holmes Chapel Parish Council, congratulated staff and volunteers at Holmes Chapel railway station on the win.

“Special thanks must go to Graham Blake and volunteer Geoff Males, who have made the station into a real community asset,” he added.

“They have turned a bleak 1960s prefabricated station into one of near nostalgia with lovely gardens and flowers, a comfortable waiting room and even an extensive library.”