Northern team at Blackpool North Station up for award

The gateline team at Blackpool North Station, operated by Northern, have been named as finalists in the Station Team Award category at the 2024 RailStaff Awards.

They have been recognised for the support and assistance they provide to the customers who use the station during the summer months and for responding to a wide range of situations.

The team has dealt with a number of antisocial behaviour incidents, helped distressed people who were at risk of harm, and responded to medical emergencies.

They have also been commended for rescuing a vulnerable customer who fell onto the track and performing CPR on another who collapsed before paramedics arrived.

The team have dealt with anti-social behaviour incidents, helped distressed people and responded to several emergencies (Image: Supplied)

Station manager Mick Elliot said: "They are a really good team that work so well together.

"There’s a great atmosphere as they’re all friends who look after each other.

"It’s a really busy seaside destination and we have major events going on all year round.

"We’ve also seen a huge rise in the number of people coming through the station in recent years and the number of requests for assistance has doubled since Covid.

"But the team take it all in their stride and rise to the challenge on a daily basis.

"They’re always prepared to do overtime and cover for each other, so they can help out to keep the place running.

"They thoroughly deserve this and it’s an absolute pleasure to manage them."

The team will find out if they have won at the awards ceremony in Birmingham on November 28.

Mr Elliot has also been nominated for a Rail Manager of the Year Award at the same event.

The nomination described him as an 'outstanding manager' who 'motivates all staff to drive forward and go beyond their normal everyday duties'.