THE efforts of a group of students who for the past three years have tended the gardens at Watchet railway station and done other voluntary work on the West Somerset Railway, were rewarded at a special ceremony at the station last Wednesday.

Around a dozen students on Bridgwater and Taunton College’s “Learning for Needs” programme make weekly visits to the station in term time to help with gardening and other maintenance work.

The programme helps develop life and employment skills and recently won a Beacon Award, a national competition involving students working in the community.

Highlights of Wednesday’s ceremony, attended by college and railway officials, WSR supporters and around 100 residents and visitors, were the unveiling of a plaque on a flowerbed looked after by the students and cutting a commemorative cake containing the WSR insignia, made by the college’s catering students.

Rob Greenslade, a member of the Friends of Watchet Station committee, who has worked closely with the students for the past three years, said: “We are really pleased with the work they do and they make a valuable contribution to keeping the station in top condition. We are delighted to be able to thank them for everything they have done.”

Alison Stokes, lead tutor on the scheme, said: “It’s the most amazing project we have been involved in and the students have excelled in the world of work. The joy this project brings to all is truly inspiring. I am so proud of everyone who has joined our journey.

“Thanks to the support of the staff team, life skills are continually being developed and this WSR volunteering has also given us the opportunity to prepare for a future Duke 0f Edinburgh award.”

She added that apart from gardening, students have volunteered for a variety of other jobs on the railway, including cleaning trains and assembling Christmas decorations and Santa gift bags.

“The railway has shown its appreciation of their hard work by giving students passes for free travel on all WSR journeys.”

Guests were introduced by Watchet town crier David Milton and welcomed by deputy station master Kevin Smith.

College principal Andy Berry and WSR general manger Kerry Noble praised the success of the project in building independence, working relationships and employment skills, and thanked students for their hard work.

Supporters went on line to praise the project. One posted: “The students gain so much from working in Watchet and from the town’s friendly environment. It was a very special day for everyone.”

A WSR spokesperson posted: “The students have been working hard over the past few years tending the Watchet station garden. Well done everyone who has taken part in this project.”

Students at Wednesday’s ceremony said they looked forward to doing their weekly stint at Watchet. Jamie Berry said: “I loved working on the railway. It has shown me the importance of being safe at work - and wearing my PPE!

Sam Rose added: “It has given me the experience of what it’s like to work.”