Teamwork pays off for friends of the railway (From Knutsford Guardian)

Teamwork pays off for friends of the railway

8:40am Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News By James Wilson

VOLUNTEERS on the rail line that serves Knutsford and the surrounding villages have scooped the top prize after their hard work and efforts finally paid off.

The Friends of the Mid Cheshire Line were recognised on Friday, September 28 at the national community rail awards, where they were nominated for the Outstanding Team award.

Competing against entries from across the UK, the Friends won first prize for their work at 12 stations along the line – including Knutsford, Mobberley, Plumley and Ashley – for their entry into the North West in Bloom (NWIB) competition.

Partners, organisations and volunteers worked tirelessly at their stations – planting flowers, weeding, tidying and litter-picking in time for judging day in July 2011.

Their hard work saw them receive a level four ‘thriving’ certificate from the NWIB organisers.

Sally Buttifant, officer for Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, said: “It was the first time that an entire railway line had entered NWIB and so we took the NWIB judges on the train to meet volunteers and see the stations.

“The teamwork was amazing – the volunteers really make a difference at our stations – we are so excited to win a national award.”

Mark Barker, from Northern Rail, said: “Well done to Friends of the Mid Cheshire Line. Winning first prize for the Outstanding Team award is a real achievement and how delighted I am that the efforts of the volunteers to make our stations more attractive have been so highly rewarded.

“We look forward to more Mid Cheshire entries in the awards next year.”

If anyone is interested in volunteering on the line call Sally Buttifant, from the rail partnership, on 01244 976788, or you can email railofficer @midcheshirerail.org.uk.