BASINGSTOKE railway station has picked up a top award for its response to the wintry weather.

The station, in Alencon Link, was named as the best large station of the year at South West Trains – Network Rail Alliance awards.

The annual awards look to recognise the best of the company’s 184 stations. Salisbury in Wiltshire scooped best medium station, while Sherbourne in Dorset was named best small station.

The judges said they were impressed with employees’ positive attitude, particularly on the West of England line, which starts at Basingstoke.

They added: “With the extreme weather conditions that hit our network for almost eight weeks, the team response has been second to none.

“The alliance team came together with station staff, train crew, track and depot engineers all working incredibly hard to give our passengers the best service possible in unprecedented weather conditions.”

Arthur Pretorius, customer service director for the alliance, said: “We were very pleased to see that the teams at Basingstoke, Salisbury and Sherbourne had received a very high number of thank you messages from passengers for the service they have provided.

“For many passengers travelling with us, the station is their first point of contact with South West Trains so it’s absolutely crucial that they start their journey with a positive impression.”