London Northwestern Railway: National commendation for Northampton railway station

Northampton railway station has received a prestigious commendation at a national award ceremony.

The station, operated by London Northwestern Railway, fought off competition from hundreds of other stations around the country to be named a finalist in the "Best Large Station" category at last night's (Wed 18 Sep) National Rail Awards.

After a series of site visits, the judging panel named Hull Paragon Interchange as the winner of the category but decided Northampton should be "Highly Commended".

The station, which welcomed more than 2.6 million passenger journeys last year, provided fast frequent services from Northampton to destintations including London Euston and Birmingham New Street.

The station also plays host to dozens of community events each year including charity collections, musical performances and awareness-raising initiatives, including partnerships with Northamptonshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone.

Northampton station also hit national headlines earlier this year after the "All Aboard to Northampton" collection of paper tickets on display on the concourse was featured by national news broadcasters.

Matt Bradley, head of stations for London Northwestern Railway, said: "Northampton is everything a railway station should be - right at the heart of the community it serves with an engaged, proactive station team who regularly stage activities and events for our customers while keeping the station running day-in, day-out for the millions who use it every year.

"I am delighted to see the team recognised by the judges at the prestigious National Rail Awards."