STOKE Mandeville has become Chiltern Railways' second station to meet the National Standard in station, staff and passenger safety.

The station has been awarded the Secure Station Award sponsored by the Department for Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) in association with The British Transport Police.

Steve Murphy, general manager of Chiltern Railways said: "The safety and well being of our passengers and staff is of utmost importance to Chiltern Railways.

"We are delighted that our efforts have been independently recognised by this award."

He added that Chiltern Railways takes the safety of its passengers and staff extremely seriously.

He stressed the company has demonstrated its commitment to Stoke Mandeville by installing CCTV, security mirrors, passenger help points, secure fencing and clear signage.

Failed lights are replaced immediately and graffiti is removed quickly and there is constant evaluation of the effectiveness of safety systems for passengers and staff.

In a survey undertaken as part of the award application process 80 per cent of passengers said they felt either safe or very safe at the station.

The first Chiltern Railways' station to receive the top industry award was Marylebone Station, in London, in 1999.