Honiton Station has won a gold award in the coveted Stations in Bloom competition.

On October 19, Honiton competed against stations in Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Judging took place in July. The project was co-ordinated by Caroline Rowland of the Blackmore Vale Community Rail Partnership.

The awards were presented by Claire Mann, the Managing Director of South Western Railway, at a ceremony held in Sherborne.

The awards recognise and celebrate the hard work and efforts of station volunteers across the network, as well as the vital work of railway staff, in promoting the railway, routes and stations. Stations in Bloom is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many local initiatives which have turned stations into welcoming spaces for rail users and visitors.

The Friends of Honiton were praised by the judges for their work to reach out to everyone in the community, including the involvement of community groups in the Adopt a Pot initiative. The Chairman told those attending the ceremony of the importance that The Friends of Honiton Station attach to giving community groups, especially those working to support mental health and wellbeing, an opportunity to signpost their vital work in the community.

Planters at Honiton Station have been adopted by Honiton Health Matters, Honiton Carers, #BroCheck, Parental Minds, Honiton Scouts, Honiton Carnival Club, The Beehive, and Open Arms East Devon.

Commenting on the awards the Chairman, Martin Long, said: “I am beyond proud to be part of a group of people who do so much for the station, celebrating its past, improving its present and campaigning for its future.

“This award is truly for everyone: for our outstanding station staff, for all the members and supporters of The Friends of Honiton Station, for all the community groups who have adopted our planters, and for our industry partners, including South Western Railway, the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and Community Rail Network.

“Particular thanks go to Jenny Brown who worked so hard on the Platinum Jubilee art project and on the Adopt a pot scheme, which have made such a difference to our station.”

To find out more about The Friends of Honiton Station, go to their website: friendsofhonitonstation.org.uk