COMMUTERS are being given the chance to adopt their local railway station.

Central Trains, which operates the route through Bromsgrove and Droitwich, is giving voluntary groups and individuals an opportunity to work in partnership with their local station, delivering valuable benefits to the community.

The 'Adopt a Station' scheme is the first formal scheme of its type in the Central Trains network. It will give volunteers wanting to help look after their local station an official way in which they can help, perhaps with publicity, improving the station environment, gardening or helping with passenger surveys etc.

For many years, community groups and individuals have volunteered informally at a small number of stations, but now Central Trains is encouraging more interested parties across the network to 'climb aboard' and get involved with their local station.

Volunteers can obtain an information pack by e-mail from: adopt.station@centraltrains.co.uk or by telephoning 0121 654 1257.

Andy Thomas, operations director for for the train company, said: "This exciting scheme will see people working together in different communities, to help make their local station better for everyone using it and deliver valuable benefits for the community.

"The support of such groups and individuals is essential in making this innovative scheme work."

Other local railway stations are at Hagley, Barnt Green and Longbridge.