A VILLAGE station near Knutsford has been named the best in the county.

Chelford Railway Station scooped the top award as Cheshire’s Best Kept Station, while Plumley took the title of Cheshire’s Tidiest Station at the awards ceremony on January 22 in Northwich.

More than 90 guests attended the evening – which is in its 10th year – including David Briggs, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, and four town mayors.

Announcing the awards, John Hulme, organiser of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, said: “Chelford Station deserves to win this top award.

“Six years ago this village station was both neglected and uncared for.

“However now, thanks to a handful of village volunteers, our judges have declared it the Best in Cheshire.

“Over the years the judges have seen a vast improvement at the station.

“Throughout the seasons different plants can be found in their gardens and platform planters and there is now a manicured lawn at the front of the station.

“I am sure part of Chelford’s success is the support they get from their parish council and other local organisations.”

Plumley Station won the Tidiest Station Award thanks to the villagers’ efforts in keeping the station clean and tidy on a regular basis.

Kath Gildon, chairman of Chelford Parish Council, said: “Chelford Parish Council and those who live in Chelford are extremely proud of having the best kept station in Cheshire.

“I would like to say a special thank you to Barbara and Tony Icke, Peter and Heather Hammond and all those local volunteers who support the station.

“The award is a real accolade for their commitment, dedication and sheer determination to get things done, sometimes under difficult circumstances.”

Sybil Crossman, the chairman of Plumley with Toft and Bexton Parish Council, said: “At Plumley, the parish council and the people of Plumley see our railway station as one of our most important assets.

“So we are all thrilled that our station has been voted the tidiest in Cheshire.

“This accolade is a tribute to Clr Tony Gabbot and all those community volunteers on the station makeover team.

“Thanks also to Andy Yates from Plantation Garden Centre for his help, support and guidance.”