Staff at Axminster Railway Station have been recognised with an award for their dedication.

Axminster Town Council sponsored Axminster Railway Station in the 'Stations in Bloom' awards, where Axminster competed against other stations across the South Western Railway network, from Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Judging was co-ordinated by Caroline Rowland of the Blackmore Vale Community Rail Partnership and awards were presented last week by Claire Mann, managing director of South Western Railway, at a ceremony held in Sherborne.

Based on the guiding principles of community involvement, sustainability, and horticultural prowess, the event was culmination of a summer of judging which considered floral displays, the range of activities by volunteers, positive environmental impact, community engagement with schools and other local groups, and coordination with onward transport links. 

The awards also recognised the hard work and dedication of station staff and volunteers from across the rail network to make each station a welcoming place and promote rail travel and each of the settlements along the rail line.

Axminster Town Council were delighted to provide colourful bunting, which decorated most of the station and its platforms throughout the summer.

The staff at Axminster station also gave it a spruce-up with a lick of paint and some upcycled planters. They hope to add more planters in the coming months in collaboration with our community.

The staff were rewarded with a silver award for "fantastic and dedicated effort by railway staff".

Leanne Watterson and Alexander Spry, station managers, collected the award.

A spokesperson for Axminster Town Council said: "Anyone who travels by train regularly from Axminster will know how helpful and friendly the team are. We are sure you will agree the award is well deserved."

Paul Aldridge, community rail manager for South Western Railway, said: "It is wonderful to see so many of our station adopters, colleagues and volunteers coming together to create a pleasant environment for our customers.

"The awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the work that they do all year round, and I am extremely proud of all their dedication."