NINE Northern stations across the North of England in the running for regional heats of ‘World Cup of Stations’ 2023

In West Yorkshire, Bingley, Mirfield and Sowerby Bridge have been nominated; in the North East, Manors, Newcastle MetroCentre, Haltwhistle and Shildon are in the running; and in the North West, Hindley and Goostrey have made the shortlist.

The ‘World Cup of Stations’ is organised by the Rail Delivery Group in partnership with the Community Rail Network.

Voting for the West Yorkshire and North East categories opens tomorrow (Tuesday 23 May) whilst the North West category opens on Wednesday (24 May).

You can vote for your local station at: www.raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations.

This year’s competition takes place during Community Rail Week (Monday 22 – Friday 26 May), which is designed to shine a spotlight on the work of dedicated volunteers that support local stations.

Over 100 nominations from across Great Britain were whittled down to 48 by TV presenter Tim Dunn. The winner of each regional group will go through to the semi-finals on Thursday 25 May and the final will be held on Friday 26 May.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “Our stations are the very heart of the communities they serve and I hope our customers get behind all those nominated as part of the ‘World Cup of Stations’ competition.

“Community Rail Week, in itself, is a great initiative that highlights the positive impact that stations on our network have on their local community.

“Whether it’s supporting local businesses, being used for a social space or making the local environment a better place by being more sustainable – these stations are helping to make a difference and it’s good to see that recognised.”

Tim Dunn, TV presenter and shortlist judge, said: “I had the tricky task of selecting the shortlist of 48 stations - tricky, because it represents the work of 48 groups of chuffing ace volunteers.

“The time, energy and love each group gives is because of a love of our shared railway and their communities too. It might seem bonkers, but this competition showcases the hard work of hundreds countrywide, then amplifies and celebrates all in community rail.”

Over 1,200 stations across Britain are supported by station adoption groups, made up entirely of volunteers, that help to make stations welcoming and safe, bring people together and add value to their communities.

Often the work of these groups extends beyond basic upkeep, incorporating community gardening and food growing, local arts projects, workshops and visits with children and young people.

The Rail Delivery Group received more than 100 nominations for stations to feature in this year's competition, recognising the efforts of so many across the country in the following categories: 

• Creating social spaces – stations rejuvenated by local adoption groups who are creating spaces for the local community  
• Supporting local business – adoption groups using station spaces to host and celebrate local businesses 
• Education stations – educational spaces and workshops arranged by adoption groups held in their station  
• Tourism stations – adoption groups using their station to promote local attractions
• Sustainable stations – environmental efforts by local community groups to improve their station’s green credentials 

On Sunday (21 May), Northern’s new summer timetable came into effect and all customers, especially those who have made regular journeys on the same train times, are advised to check before they travel.

Whilst the overwhelming majority of services remain ‘as is’, the train operator is urging people that make regular trips on the same trains to use the Check My Timetable feature on their website to see details specific to their local station.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.