Bubbly Richelle just the ticket for rail travellers

Beaming with pride — Greenfield rail station worker Richelle Walsh, nominated for her dedication to customers. Picture Vincent Brown

GOOD things come in threes it seems for bubbly Greenfield rail worker Richelle Walsh, who has become the latest nominee for a Pride in Oldham award.

The community hero took a trip to Amsterdam earlier this year when she bagged a Northern Rail customer-service award and was a finalist at the National Rail Awards in London only a few weeks ago.

But it is her caring nature and dedicated ways that have seen her win the hearts of commuting locals from across the borough — and a Pride nomination.

The mother-of-two, from Royton, was put forward by frequent traveller Joan Taylor, who often makes the trip to Greenfield to buy tickets for travelling further afield.

Joan said: “She’s got an absolutely sparkling smile and she always greets you warmly, which is really refreshing these days.

“She definitely goes that extra mile.

“The place is always so clean and she will do whatever she can to make sure you have the right ticket.

“I feel really good about her, she’s a breath of fresh air.”

Richelle has been manning the ticket office for two years, and saw it as her personal mission to keep the new building spic-and-span when it opened in February, 2009.

She also battled through this year’s harsh winter, clearing the platform of snow for the safety and comfort of travellers.

Richelle was stunned when she found out she was in the running.

She said: “I’m in complete shock.

“I can’t thank the customers enough for taking the time to write in.

“I want travellers to be happy going to work in the morning and I do my best to make sure they go to work with a smile.

“I love this job and the people I see daily have made coming to work an absolute pleasure.”

Travellers have even come from afar to sample Richelle’s personal touch.

One couple make the journey from Ashton simply to buy their future tickets from the customer-care superstar.

Richelle was recognised as a regional winner in the Northern Rail awards, and attended a glitzy dinner at the Utrecht Railway Museum in Amsterdam as part of her prize.