HARD-WORKING volunteers have been rewarded for their efforts to make a train station more 'welcoming and customer friendly'.

The Friends of Daisy Hill Station were presented with the Westhoughton environmental award by the town council for their work at the Leigh Road transport hub.

It was formed six years ago and has been looking after the station by regularly picking up litter around the area as well as installing bird feeders and putting up displays.

The group's chairman Cllr Jack Speight thanked the town council for the recognition and commended the volunteers for their dedication.

He said: "This award means a lot to everyone.

"It is all about keeping the station clean and tidy. There is still so much work to do and we have some exciting plans for the future.

"It means a lot because it is some kind of recognition and it is nice for the members who give up their time.

"All of these people are volunteers and they work to keep the station tidy for the community.

"We can do so much more. There is great potential there in that area."

Cllr Speight also thanked Malcolm Maloney, who has recently stepped down as station master at Daisy Hill.

He praised Mr Maloney for being instrumental in helping the group with its work.

The award was presented to the group recently by Westhoughton town mayor Cllr Samantha Watkin.

A statement from the town council read: "Members have worked in all weather on environmental initiatives which have made Daisy Hill Station more welcoming and customer friendly.

"Friends of Daisy Hill Station is a worthy recipient of the town council's environmental award."