Station master awarded MBE for two decades of service

Aberdour station: Trevor Francis was nominated by the local community for the MBE.flickrtickr2009

A station master who has manned the ticket office for almost 20 years has been awarded an MBE for services to the community.

Trevor Francis, 67, also spends up to six hours a day of his spare time maintaining the plants, shrubs and floral displays at Aberdour station in Fife.

His dedication to improving the site's environment has seen awards given for the best station garden and his work also helped Aberdour win the title of best kept village in the Fife Council area for two years running.

The station garden has 20 hanging baskets, seven window boxes and two wheelbarrows with special features such as an alpine garden of conifers and cordyline palms.

The father-of-two from nearby Burntisland was recommended for the honour by the local community in Aberdour.

He said: "From day one I took ownership of the station. But it was not just about that. It was about the community, the village life and helping people.

"It has fulfilled my life and I cannot thank the community enough.

"It's a lovely role and one I'm not giving up on it yet. It's a joy to keep the station well-maintained and to see the pleasure that the displays give."

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