STAFF at Northern Rail have praised volunteers who have been helping to improve Church and Oswaldtwistle railway station.

Rotarians from the area have been working with staff at the rail company to improve the appearance of the station.

Volunteers are currently at the start of their three month project to improve the station which will see them remove weeds, fill the area with plants and power wash stone staircases.

Vicky Cropper, Northern’s regional community & sustainability manager said: “The Friends of Church and Oswaldtwistle station have worked tirelessly to improve the station environment for the railway passengers and the wider community.

"This group and their network of volunteers visit and look after the station all year round.

"However the work they have carried out over the recent weeks has transformed the stairways which lead up to the platforms.

"Northern is very proud to be working in partnership with a group as proactive and dedicated as The Friends of Church and Oswaldtwistle and we look forward to working together on more projects in the near future. "

The company have also arranged for overgrown vegetation to be cut back at the front of the station.

Volunteers are also looking for work to be done about the tunnel between the two platforms and have been encouraged with feedback from Northern Rail.