Mid Cheshire line volunteers steamed away with an award (From Messenger Newspapers)

Mid Cheshire line volunteers steamed away with an award

5:02pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in News

THE hard work and efforts of Friends of the Mid Cheshire Line were recognised at the National Community Rail Awards.

Competing against entries from across the UK, the Friends won first prize in the outstanding teamwork category for their work at 12 stations along the line -including Hale and Altrincham - for their entry in to 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 paid off as they were awarded a level four 'thriving' certificate from the NWIB organisers.

Sally Buttifant, Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership officer, said: “It was the first time that an entire railway line had entered North West In Bloom and so we took the NWIB judges on the train to meet the 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, client and stakeholder manager, 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 to the awards next year."

To get involved along the Mid Cheshire Line get in touch with Sally Buttifant on 01244 976788 or by email – railofficer@midcheshirerail.org.uk