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Staff from rail operator, Northern, working at a station in Stockport have been recognised in the National Rail Awards for their contributions to the local community.
Stewart Hall and Darin Astbury were highly commended in the Outstanding Personal Contribution (Frontline) category at the awards in London, dubbed the ‘Railway Oscars’.
The pair received recognition for setting up and running a swap shop at Brinnington station, which had previously been an anti-social behaviour hotspot. It provides an important service to people in the local community who are in need of food, clothes, books and other household items. The innovative scheme has proved incredibly popular, with more than 1,600 members of the community joining the Facebook group and small team of volunteers helping to co-ordinate donations.
Tricia Williams, Northern’s managing director, said:
“We’re incredibly proud of the staff who received recognition for their passion and commitment at last night’s awards ceremony.
“Since setting up the swap shop two years ago, Stewart and Darin have helped so many people in their local community and we have seen a steady reduction in anti-social behaviour at the station.”
The annual National Rail Awards celebrate the achievements and pursuit of excellence across every aspect of the rail industry.