The Friends of Handforth Station have added to their growing collection of branded signs that adorn the station’s platforms.

In the last year, the volunteers received special totem signs from Transport for Greater Manchester, as well as two from local restaurants.

Since early May, the name ‘Rhydymaen’ (a loose translation in Welsh indicating a ford of stone) has featured on a signpost alongside the southbound platform.

The new sign was generously donated by Transport for Wales and adds to the many signs from different train operating companies visible at the station.

James Nicholas, communications business partner at Transport for Wales, travelled from Swansea to Handforth to present the sign to the volunteer group.

He was accompanied by Lowri Joyce, the Welsh language strategy lead at Transport for Wales, who said: “We are pleased to provide this totem to be a legacy for Railway 200 and join the other 20 multi-national signs at Handforth.”

After the presentation and photographs, James and Lowri spent some time with members of the Friends of Handforth Station to appreciate their work and to discuss similar station adoption stories and experiences at stations across Wales and borders.

Mike Bishop, founder and president of the Friends of Handforth Station, said: “A major element of our work is to decorate the station forecourt and platforms, and make it as welcoming a place as possible.

“The Friends of Handforth Station are renowned for this novel method of decorating the station, and we are delighted by the donation from Transport for Wales.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Friends of Handforth Station via their website.