The cycle shelter at St Annes-on-the-Sea Station has had a revamp in celebration of the station’s 150-year anniversary.

The shelter now features a photograph of local lifeboat, the RNLB Barbara Anne, taken by local professional photographer and supporter of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), Gregg Wolstenholme.

A new Lytham St Annes Lifeboat history poster has also been created for the shelter, highlighting the value of this vital local service to the town over its lifetime.

The unveiling took place on Monday 21 August by St Annes Mayor, Cllr Shirley Green, with visitors and invited guests all joining in the celebrations, including ‘Stormy Stan’, the RNLI mascot.

After the unveiling, there was a cycle ride to the RNLI All Weather Lifeboat Boathouse on St Annes South promenade, where the Shanty Crew sang, visitors toured the Lifeboat station, cycled for a smoothie and RNLB Barbara Anne was on view.

Community Rail Lancashire and the Friends of St Annes Station hope the new and improved shelter will continue promoting local walking and cycling links to those visiting the area by train.

Photographer Gregg Wolstenholme said: “I’m extremely proud to have my work used to promote the town and honour the RNLI for the great work that they do. I hope it will encourage more visitors by train to walk along the beautiful promenade at St Annes and visit the Lifeboat Station.”

Caroline Holden, Development Officer at Community Rail Lancashire, said: “We were delighted the weather was kind and we had such a wonderful local response to the celebration, both at the Railway and Lifeboat Stations. We thank both the Friends of St Annes Railway Station and the Lytham St Annes RNLI for working with us to feature the vital service provided to the town past and present, and the enthusiastic response to the event by the local community.”

Tony Ford, Chair of the South Fylde Line Community Rail Partnership, said: “It’s great to have spruced up the cycle shelter with Gregg’s wonderful lifeboat photograph and to share the long history of the Lifeboats in St Annes and Lytham, including the very first Lifeboat, Laura Janet, that arrived by train – transported free of charge no less!”

Martin Keating, Regional Community and Sustainability Manager at Northern, said: “Northern are very pleased to support the new cycle shelter artwork and history boards. These complement the station and are yet another great example of Northern working together with its partners and the wider local community to improve railway stations and enhance the customer experience.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects, and events from Community Rail Lancashire via their website, and with the Friends of St Annes Station via their Facebook page.