A VOLUNTEER group has been praised for its work in making a train station more welcoming to passengers.

The Friends of Ally Pally have spent the last year making sure the stress of commuting goes a bit smoother for passengers, and planting flowers in the station.

It has now been given a certificate for eaching the silver level finals of the 'It's Your Station' category of the Association of Community Rail Partnerships awards.

Martin Brown, Alexandra Palace station manager, said: “It’s wonderful to see the great work that the Friends do at our station.

“We have a lot of space, and the addition of colour across the platforms is so welcoming.

“Over the past year the group really has helped make the station greener and more welcoming to our passengers, while helping to further involve the community.

“Their energy and enthusiasm is on display by the bucket-load and I’m so pleased they have been recognized with this accolade.

“I cannot thank the group enough for all their efforts.”

These efforts led to a December Christmas party for passengers, and the unveiling of a new community notice board paid for by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

The Friends and GTR are will also add art and new displays to the station’s footbridge to add colour to bland white walls.

Michael Soloman William, group leader, who was presented with the certificate, said: “I’m thrilled that we’ve been nominated for the ACoRP award.

“There have been many inspiring moments since we started.

“One of the most wonderful things is how much the station staff, GTR and apparently now the wider national rail community have embraced what we’re doing.

“It’s been a huge effort by everyone involved at Ally Pally, so this recognition is very welcome indeed.

“This will fill us with confidence and inspiration in the year to come."

In 2016 Friends of Alexander Park Station achieved a Highly Commended in the Best Newcomer category at Haringey Community Expo, and recognition at Haringey in Bloom.

Friends of Ally Pally will learn if they have won the silver level of the award at an event in Derby on October 5.

GTR nominated the Friends for the awards, and has 65 station partnerships across its network, with staff and volunteers working together to help each location further reflect its local community.

The awards recognise work carried out by community rail partnerships and station adoption groups.