The Merseyrail station at Maghull has reached the final of the competition to be named the best station in the UK in the annual “World Cup of Stations” competition organised by the Rail Delivery group.

In yesterday’s semi-final, Maghull received 60 % of the vote, beating Pitlochry in Scotland, Llandudno in Wales, and Shawford in Hampshire.

In today’s national grand finale, Maghull will compete against Kings Lynn station in Norfolk and Dorridge in Warwickshire.

In their assessment, judges took into account the variety of businesses found at railway stations, from delis to doughnut shops, hotels to health spas, barbers to bakers, florists to farm shops, and the benefits those businesses bring to their local economies.

Maghull was entered into the competition as it has a flourishing café, ‘The Coffee Carriage’, that was started last year by two local entrepreneurs.

With a range of hot drinks, artisan bakes, and a fantastic atmosphere, the local community has taken the café their hearts and transformed the station into a lively meeting place and hub.

Each round of the competition is self-contained, meaning that votes cast in one round are not carried forward to the next.

To win the title of Britain’s best railway station, Maghull will need as many votes as it can get in today’s voting via the Merseyrail website or by clicking here.

Last year’s competition attracted over 72,000 votes in 12 heats, with Wemyss Bay in Scotland being declared the final winner.

“To get down to the final three stations nationally is a fantastic achievement and reflects the affection for the station and it’s team in the local community it serves.”.

Suzanne Grant, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director of Merseyrail