​Award winning Christmas comes to Angmering

Angmering station has had a festive make over thanks to three local community primary schools from the Rustington area, with the designs and artwork going on to win first place in a local Eco Christmas competition.

Children from Georgian Gardens school which is a station partner, worked together with pupils from Rustington and Summerlea schools to once again share their creativity with the community and passengers by making a range of beautiful decorations to dress the station Christmas tree, which was kindly donated by local business Haskins Garden Centre.

The children and their teachers spent a morning on a joint venture bringing Christmas cheer to the station, decorating the eight foot tree with glittering cones, angels, snowflakes, mini glitter trees and multi-coloured baubles, along with the help of the station team. The designs were made from a variety of recycled materials including ironed plastic bags, cardboard boxes, wool strands and tissue paper.

Georgian Gardens school entered the designs in a local Eco Young & Engaged competition, which was open to schools across West Sussex and were awarded first place.

Deirdre Carolin, from Georgian Gardens, said “The huge tree fills a large part of the Ticket Office and the station staff said they are sure it will be as much appreciated this year as it has been in previous years. Many passengers waiting for a train said their wait was brightened in every way by having the children's creations to enjoy.

“The children, too, said it had been great fun and they would be bringing their families to see their 'work'.

“We are so proud to be awarded first place in the Eco competition. It received many entries and much interest so we are very pleased to have been selected by the panel for first prize.”

Andy Harrowell, Southern’s Community Investment and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, said: “Georgian Gardens have been station partner at Angmering for many years, producing many fine art displays. It’s amazing to see the children from all three schools have exceeded their own high standards with these wonderful decorations. We would like to thank all the children for their wonderful work and congratulate Georgian Gardens on a deserved first place.”

The tree, plus five display boards of Christmas prints, will be available for all to enjoy until the New Year.