THE railway station in Hexham has been declared the best in the country.

Staff were celebrating the announcement that Hexham was named Medium Station of the Year at the National Rail Awards.

The award recognised the important part Hexham Railway Station played in the local community, and the hard work carried out by operators Northern to make the station as inviting as possible for customers.

The praise is testimony to the great work by station manager Sarah Kennedy, of Wylam, and her team.

Kerry Cross, head of trains and stations for Northern, said: “We are thrilled that Hexham Station has won this fantastic award. It’s great news for Northern, and the North-East region.

“Our staff work hard to keep the station looking its best and to provide the best possible service to our customers. This year, we have refurbished both waiting rooms, improved the seating and added new ticket vending machines.”

Kerry declared that the vital link the station provided to the local community was the key to its success. She said: “Local charity Journey, which helps support adults with learning difficulties, runs the kiosk and also looks after the flower beds on the station, as well as the mince pies for our Christmas promotions!

“Meanwhile, local group Edible Hexham provides the tubs of herbs, fruit and vegetables on the station which members of the public are invited to sample and take away with them. Hexham Station is more than somewhere to catch a train; it really is a vital part of the local community and we are proud to be able to be part of that community.”

To mark the success, a plaque will be installed in the station next month.