Richelle just the ticket for train users

DELIGHTED Richelle Walsh is named as a award finalist after going that extra mile for customers.

Passengers travelling through Greenfield train station will already know bubbly ticket officer Richelle Walsh, but thanks to their help she has now received national recognition.

Richelle has been manning the platform for only two years, but her helpful nature and caring personality have helped her become a finalist in the national rail awards.

One of only six finalists out of 4,800 Northern Rail staff, Richelle has bagged the award for outstanding personal contribution.

But in an ironic twist, the customers that love her so much had to go without her services for a few days as her prize was an all-expenses paid trip to Amsterdam, including a glitzy dinner at the Utrecht Railway Museum.

Richelle said: “I was just gobsmacked when I got the letter — the people have been so kind to put my name forward.

“I don’t feel like I do anything special but customers must appreciate it. The only problem is that they had to go without me while I was away.”

Travellers have even come from afar to sample Richelle’s personal touch — with one couple making the journey from Ashton simply to buy their future tickets from the customer-care superstar.

Lee Wasnidge, area director for Northern Rail, said: “Her customers aren’t shy in telling us how great they think she is.

“We regularly receive letters of praise about Richelle and she is a very worthy winner of the customer-service excellence award.

“She looks after her customers and always goes that extra mile to create a welcoming environment at Greenfield.”

But Richelle will have to wait a while to find out whether or not she will come out on top.

The national award winners will be announced on Thursday, September 16, at an awards dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.