CELEBRATIONS took place at Christchurch Railway Station on Saturday to mark the 150th anniversary of the historic town gateway.

Families, residents and members of the Friends of Christchurch Railway Station gathered to mark the event and greet the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Peter Hall, on the platform.

As well as 1920s-style dancers, music was performed by the Christchurch Music Centre as well as the Funky Little Choir and Christchurch Junior School’s Samba band.

Joining the Mayor and Mayoress, Sally Hall, were the railway children dressed in traditional attire as well as representatives from South West Trains.

The day had been organised by the Friends of Christchurch Railway Station, which was set up through the Christchurch Community Part-nership in 2008 to promote the station, enhance the historical heritage and improve its environmental and operational upkeep.

A plaque was also unveiled by the Mayor, which informs passengers that Christchurch is also a British Heart Foundation Heart Town.

Cllr Fred Neale, chairman of the Friends, said: “This is a very important day for this station and I’m so pleased to see so many people here.

“We have achieved such a lot over the years and hope to keep up the hard work.

“I must also thank Stella Jackson-Smith for all her hard work and help over the years.”

Phil Dominey, from South West Trains, said: “We are so pleased that Christchurch station is still very much at the heart of the local community and have enjoyed working closely with them over the years.

“We have upgraded the station and provided a new waiting room, toilets and lower-level ticket office for disabled passengers and hope our investment ensures the station will be enjoyed by passengers for years to come.”

The original station was sited to the east of Fairmile Road and in operation between 1862 and 1886 before the current station was set-up 25 years later in Stour Road.