OWNERS have hailed the staff, cleanliness and the food at a motorway service station named the second best in England.

Rivington Services northbound on the M61, owned by Euro Garages, almost topped the poll of facilities across the country carried out by independent watchdog Transport Focus.

It shows a drastic turnaround since 2009, when review site MotorwayServices.Info revealed it had been voted as Britain's worst service station due to its crumbling 1970s buildings and poor facilities.

In 2010 it was taken over by Euro Garages, which has pumped £12million into the site.

Ilyas Munshi, group commercial director at Euro Garages, said: "I think people who drive in and around the Greater Manchester have seen Rivington evolve over the years

"Since we have taken it over we have seen significant investment of £12million to get it to this standard.

"The Greater Manchester area is becoming very attractive for leisure and we have seen increasing use of the M61 as well, whether that is commercial traffic or people travelling in an around the North West.

"The food offer has improved with well known brands like Starbucks, Subway and Greggs.

"A lot of work goes on to maintain the site's standards and to keep it clean so it is thanks to the staff.

"It is the ongoing maintenance that keeps the facilities up to the best standard for the customers."

The garage features popular food brands Greggs, Burger King, Starbucks and Subway, all based around a central communal seating area.

And there's also a gambling zone for adults and a Spar store for those looking for a quick bite after refuelling.

Imran Navgaja, site manager, has been at the services for two years and said he has seen the facility get more and more popular.

He said: "We are pleased with the result and it is all down to the work of the staff who do a great job."

The survey carried out by Transport Focus questioned 8,700 customers about the facilities.