LONG standing volunteer Hywel Jones has stood down after 16 years caring for Llanwrda railway station on the Heart of Wales line.

Hywel, from Cwmdu near Llandeilo, adopted the small rural station in 2004 as part of the Arriva Trains Wales station adoption scheme – which since October 2018 has been managed by Transport for Wales.

Volunteers participating in the scheme provide the train company with regular feedback about the condition of their station so that any issues can be promptly addressed. Where possible, as can be seen at many stations along the 121 mile route between Swansea and Shrewsbury, volunteers also tend to gardens and colourful floral displays.

Geraint Morgan, Community Rail Manager for Transport for Wales said: “Supported by local resident Barbara Davies, Hywel has been a fantastic ambassador for the line and his dedication to looking after the station is hugely appreciated.

"His passion and attention to the finer detail has always ensured the station has created a positive first impression to passengers. We wish him well and thank him for many years of proud dedication.”

In 2008, Hywel attended the Queen’s Garden Party in recognition for his voluntary work in the community. In 2009, his and Barbara’s commitment to the station adoption scheme was recognised when Llanwrda won the award for best station garden.

For many years, he would also arrange days out by train for local groups and often greet passengers alighting at the station.

A champion Dahlia grower and judge at the Royal Welsh Show, Hywel has previously supplied dahlias to the Prince of Wales’ estate at Llwynywormwood near Myddfai.

He has also won numerous prizes for his dahlias, including first prize at the Royal Welsh Show twice.