IT WAS a double win for Basingstoke railway station where two champion members of staff were rewarded for helping to make it a better place.

After years of helping visitors at the station and trying to make it a nicer place for people to visit, customer service assistant Nigel Merry and flagship station manager Ric Gabriel have been rewarded.

The pair were among five employees from South West Trains who were honoured in the Stagecoach Group Champions annual awards ceremony.

Joined by their families the pair attended an awards ceremony in London which recognised excellence over six areas including safety, health, community, customer service, environment and innovation.

Nigel was named a Gold Community Champion for his work in fulfilling his ambition to make Basingstoke Railway Station “a special place”.

Judges said: “His energy, ideas and can-do attitude – particularly in helping people with disabilities – have made the railway a true part of the community.”

Nigel, 49, who lives on the Harrow Way estate, said: “It’s a great honour to win, it was a bit of a shock. “I love helping people.

I think that if you can’t help people then there’s no point in getting up out of bed. My work means that people can get to work, they get to wherever.”

Ric was named a Silver Customer Service Champion after encouraging his team to think differently about customer service. 

In the past the station has given Easter eggs to a Basingstoke hospital, left love messages on hearts around the station on Valentine’s Day, hosted carol singers at Christmas and fundraising activities.

Father-of-three Ric said the “unexpected” but “well-received” awards were “a fantastic accolade for us, for the station and for South West Trains”.

A spokesman for South West Trains said he has created a culture where employees want to make a difference for customers and he has empowered them to do it.

All received a trophy, cash prize and a two night stay in London.