Derwent Valley stations riding the awards line

Ambergate took first prize for most improved station, Cromford was the winner of the environment award and Belper runner-up in the community partnership category.

The awards celebrate the best of East Midlands Trains’ 89 stations and were chosen by a panel of company directors, senior managers and passenger representatives from Transport Focus.

Their assessments acknowledged the work that has been done to improve Derwent Valley stations, and paid tribute to staff, station adopters, community groups and the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership.

Neil Micklethwaite, commercial director for East Midlands Trains, said: “For many of our customers, our stations and station teams will be the first point of contact with East Midlands Trains.

“These awards are great recognition for our people and the work they do to make a real difference for their colleagues, customers and communities.”

Ambergate won its award for the floral displays created by the station adopters’ group and improved access works.

New steps, footway and access road modifications have been brightened up this summer by colourful planting barrels and floral baskets.

Mr Micklethwaite added: “We’ve seen fantastic improvements to stations on the Derwent Valley line, and that’s down to the staff, the community rail partnership and an excellent team of volunteers.

“The awards are well deserved and our congratulations go to everybody involved.”

Volunteers have transformed Cromford station to let more light in and enhance the visitor welcome.

Residents and organisations, including the Arkwright Society, Cromford Parish Council and DerwentWISE, have also planted native trees, bulbs and wildflowers around the site.

Belper won in the community partnership category for Transition Belper’s community gardening, a new tile mosaic and station art gallery.

These projects were delivered in partnership with local schools and members of the community, Network Rail, Belper Town Council and the rail operators.

The Belper art project, environmental improvements at Cromford and a school art project at Whatstandwell station have also been shortlisted for awards at the National Community Rail Awards, taking place in October.