COMMUTERS will be greeted by carols and mince pies as plans to transform Bolton train station take another step forward.

The Christmas treat, on December 7, is just one of many events arranged by Bolton Station Community Development Partnership to develop the station as a thriving cultural and community hub.

Later this month, a free evening of railway song and poetry can be enjoyed in the community room on platform five.

Professor Paul Salveson, chairman of the partnership, said: “We’ve had talks and slide shows about railway history and re-opening campaigns – this is a bit different, a celebration of railway culture.

“Britain’s railway workers wrote lots of songs and poetry, often about working life on the railway. We’re hoping to have a really special night hearing them sung by two brilliant performers.”

Two days later, on November 22, the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Elaine Sherrington, will cut the ribbon on four floral planters created by young volunteers from The Prince’s Trust to help make the platform more welcoming and cheerful.

And as part of Bolton Light Festival, the partnership has won a small grant to provide markers from the rail station and interchange to the Light Festival.

The partnership is also working with train operator Northern to display children’s art work at the station, some of which was displayed at the station’s community gala in June

Bolton Station Community Development Partnership is a community organisation formed a year ago to work with the rail industry to provide community facilities at the station. Partners include Northern, Network Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester, University of Bolton, Bolton Council, Bolton at Home, Bolton School, Bolton Rail Users Group and Community Rail Lancashire.

For more details about events ring 07795 00891.