Passengers warm even more to Richelle

WARM welcome . . . Richelle Walsh has installed an electric fire in the waiting room of Saddleworth station

Railway bosses have praised a cheerful employee for bringing a personal glow of warmth to grateful passengers.

Richelle Walsh has installed an electric fire in the waiting room at Greenfield railway station - at her own expense.

Richelle (46) from Royton, paid £60 for the fire to ensure travellers beat winter chill while they wait for trains.

“Richelle is a shining star with a heart of gold,” said her boss, Natasha Wilding, Northern Rail’s head of stations. “We couldn’t be more proud of her.”

The company has now decided to end the chill forever by installing a permanent heater.

Since Richelle began working at the station in September, 2008, she has collected a string of high-profile accolades and was honoured with a BEM last year for services to the community.

Richelle said shyly: “I bought the fire as a present for my customers.”