THE antics of George the cat have put Stourbridge Junction on the map and now the station is on track to win a top rail industry competition thanks to help from its feline star.
Stourbridge Junction station has been shortlisted in the World Cup of Stations - the rail industry’s annual celebration of train stations across the UK - thanks in part to the fan appeal of the station's furry assistant.
Staff at the station, operated by West Midlands Railway, have been recognised for their hard work installing new signage and educating passengers to ensure they can travel safely and comfortably amid the pandemic.
But special recognition has gone to resident four-legged friend, George, who has proven the purr-fect ambassador - helping the station to spread the latest railway safety messages through his very own social media accounts.
George has been a friend of the station for three years and has proven a huge hit with rail passengers, amassing nearly 10,000 followers across Facebook and Twitter.
The ginger and white moggy has been praised by passengers for making them smile every day and providing some much-needed light relief in troubling times
Station manager Simone Carter said: “George first found his way into the station back in December 2017 and he’s been the star of the show ever since.
“As well as helping us out in the booking office most days, George has been a fantastic addition to our team who work tirelessly to provide exceptional customer service to our passengers.
“I’m so proud of the team, and our wonderful ambassador George, for their hard work and determination, particularly over these last difficult six months.”
The World Cup of Stations is organised by the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operating companies across the country.
The next stage of the competition is a public vote on Twitter to select which stations will make it to the semi-finals. This year, in light of Covid-19, the focus is on smaller stations which have gone above and beyond to support their communities during this difficult time.
Members of the public can vote for their favourite station from today (Monday October 12) on the Rail Delivery Group’s Twitter account, @RailDeliveryGrp, or by following the hashtag #WorldCupOfStations.
Voting closes at 6pm on Wednesday 15 October after which winning stations will compete in a semi-finals and final before a winner is crowned.
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