VOLUNTEERS are being sought to ‘run their own railway station’.

Arriva Trains Wales is offering people in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd the opportunity to take over their local station as part of celebrations to mark the International Day of Charity yesterday.

Members of the public across the country have already volunteered to take on unstaffed railway stations in their area through the national ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme which was launched in 2004.

The station in Blaenau Ffestiniog is one such example with planters and flowers making the facility far more comely for visitors.

Over 130 Arriva Trains Wales stations have since been adopted by community-spirited volunteers, who receive an annual issue of rail travel vouchers.

There are now 84 more up for grabs including Llanbedr, Dovey Junction and Dyffryn Ardudwy.

‘Adopt a Station’ aims to improve links between Arriva, local communities and customers living near 190 unstaffed stations across the railway operator’s network.

Station adopters provide regular feedback on litter, graffiti, vandalism, lighting and timetable information so that any issues can be addressed.

There are also opportunities for volunteers to compete for ‘Best Kept Station’ titles and horticultural awards in some areas.

Arriva’s community relations manager, Geraint Morgan, said: “Station adopters don’t have to do any cleaning or maintenance because these are done on a regular basis by our own staff. They act as an extra pair of eyes and ears at our stations where we don’t have any on-site staff and report any problems."

For more information on Arriva Trains Wales’ ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme please visit www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/AdoptStation or contact 03333 211202.See this week's north editions for the full story, in shops and online tomorrow