Two train stations have been shortlisted for an award celebrating the unsung heroes and heroines of the rail world.

Thameslink's Elstree & Borehamwood and Cricklewood stations have been shortlisted for the It's Your Station category of the Association of Community Rail (ACORP) Awards and looks at the station gardens and environments..

Elstree & Borehamwood station has been shortlisted for a gold award by ACORP. In recent years, community group “First Impressions” has transformed Elstree and Borehamwood station, to ensure it reflects the community and its rich film heritage.

From wall sculptures, heritage panels, the start of a Film and TV Heritage Trail and a new welcome wall, to planters, all served by an environmentally-friendly water butt, this group has been trying hard to make the location somewhere people want to go.

The second station is Cricklewood station, shortlisted for a silver award by ACORP. The Town Team have adopted Cricklewood station and have worked with a variety of individuals and groups, to transform the station’s entrance.

The Town Team has turned a disused, littered piece of land into a green area, supported by new screening, photo collages and a new personalised station clock.

James Gillett, Thameslink’s station manager for Elstree & Borehamwood and Cricklewood, said: "The work of the volunteers at both stations has been truly fantastic and I am so pleased they have been recognised with these shortlistings.

"First Impressions have been working really hard at the station for years and just continue to go from strength to strength. The last station welcome sign, designed with the BBC to reflect the importance of the organisation to the area, is fantastic.

"Cricklewood’s Town team have really grabbed hold of the station and the transformation work they have done at there is amazing.

"This has recently been finished with the new letters spelling out Cricklewood, which is a real work of art. It’s a really bold statement to say ‘We’re here, look at us! This station is an important part of the community.’

"It puts Cricklewood station at the heart of the community where it belongs.”

The awards, due to be announced on September 29, celebrate the unsung heroes of the rail world alongside the work and dedication put into their community projects

Thameslink’s community investment and CSR manager, Andy Harrowell, said: "At Thameslink, we are focused on putting our stations at the heart of the communities they serve.

"We have seen more and more station partnerships set up over the last year and it is wonderful that the efforts of two have been recognised in this way.

"Over the past 12 months we have really been able to make a difference to local communities, whether it be working with volunteer groups to help tailor our stations in a way which further reflects the local area or inspiring youngsters and those with disabilities about safe and independent train travel. These shortlistings are recognition of the efforts of some many of our staff and volunteers."