CHIRK Railway Station has been named the best small station in the UK at the annual National Rail Awards.

Adopted by Friends of Chirk Station (FoCS) volunteers, the station was recognised with one of the main awards during the virtual ceremony, organised by RAIL magazine.

Known as the industry’s ‘Oscars’, the rail awards event was hosted virtually by BBC news anchor and broadcaster Huw Edwards and RAIL magazine’s Managing Editor and Events Director Nigel Harris.

The awards honour and engage the UK’s rail community and celebrate the industry’s gold standard.

Christine Ashford of the FoCS volunteer group said the hard work will continue for the station adopters after winning the award.

She said: “Friends of Chirk Station are absolutely delighted to be recognised for the work they have achieved in making our station, not only the best in Wales but now the UK.

“Thanks to all our volunteers and supporters including our friends in Transport for Wales and Wales in Bloom.

“We certainly will continue to keep our community on track and growing.”

The awards judging process is uniquely rigorous in the industry with a panel of more than 20 judges carrying out hundreds of interviews and visits before arriving at their final decisions.

Nigel Harris, RAIL’s managing editor and events director, gave a special mention to those who worked in the industry throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “During the pandemic, our railwaymen and women made sure that essential workers, medicines and crucial supplies were all where they needed to be, month after month – not once was the country let down by this amazing workforce.

“Railways isn’t what these people do – it’s what they are – and they just got on with it. They deserve the nation’s thanks and it’s great that the PM took time out to offer such sincere appreciation.”