A GROUP dedicated to preserving the look of Topsham's railway station has been crowned the latest winner of the town's Enhancing Topsham Award.

A GROUP dedicated to preserving the look of Topsham's railway station has been crowned the latest winner of the town's Enhancing Topsham Award.The Topsham Station Adopters Group was awarded the 2008 award by the Topsham Society (TopSoc) for its green-fingered work, introducing planters and ensuring the station is awash with colour for visitors.Topsham Station Adopters Group spokeswoman Bettine Rogers said the volunteers last summer brightened up the platform with a painted boat filled with bedding plants and two separate planters.She said the group worked alongside First Great Western and the station manager, keeping the platforms litter-free and free from vandalism. Mrs Rogers said the group was always keen to hear residents' ideas on further improvements, or from anyone willing to contribute.She said: "It was really encouraging to get the award. I am pleased our efforts have been recognised. What we have done has added to the town's image. Lots of visitors arrive by train. It is a wonderful route from Topsham to Exmouth. We wanted to get the station looking really good to encourage locals and visitors to use the train."If we see any vandalism, we are able to report it directly, whereas before there was no one to take an interest. "We have been lucky with sponsorship of some of the cost from South West water, local businesses and by the donation of the boat from Mike the ferryman."The Topsham Society launched the award in May 2004 in an attempt to encourage residents and businesses to preserve the town's character.The Enhancing Topsham Award was the brainchild of retired chartered civil engineer Bill Dickens, who in 2004 was TopSoc treasurer.l The Topsham Station Adopters Group is inviting anyone interested in becoming involved with the group to an informal meeting on April 2 at 7.30pm in the Garden Room, in the Globe Hotel.Those unable to make the meeting can contact Bettine Rogers on (01392) 874966 or Elizabeth Hubbick (01392) 877526.