YATTON Station is battling it out to be named the winner of the World Cup of Stations 2023.

Residents are being urged to vote for their favourite railway station in preparation for the final, which will take place this Friday (May 26). The competition is hosted by the Rail Delivery Group in partnership with the Community Rail Network.

As part of Community Rail Week (22-26 May), the competition aims to showcase the benefits railways can bring to residents, the environment and even the local economy.

Yatton Station has been nominated for their community cafe and the GWR Bikes for Refugees cycle project, both of which aim to be sustainable. 

They will be up against 48 other stations, which includes Liskeard in Cornwall and Okehampton in Devon.

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Day in, day out stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities and this year during Community Rail Week, we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales.  

“All of the stations are making a positive impact on their local community, whether that’s supporting local businesses, being used for a social space or making the local environment better by being more sustainable, whatever they’re doing to make a difference, we want to celebrate.” 

Tim Dunn, the TV presenter and shortlist judge who helped whittle down the selections, 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."

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, added: “Community Rail partnerships and thousands of ‘station friends’ volunteers the length and breadth of Britain are mobilising en masse, engaging local people and partners to raise awareness about sustainable travel by rail, and get people enthused about its many benefits.” 

People can vote on Monday 22 May via #WorldCupofStations or the Rail Delivery Group website.