Ipswich’s railway station has been named the best large station in the country at the National Rail Awards.

The station, which was shortlisted at last year’s awards, was praised for its £2million refurbishment which saw its main foyer and ticket hall completely revamped.

James Steward, Greater Anglia’s area customer service manager for Ipswich said he was ‘delighted ‘ the station had scooped the prize.

He said: “The work that has been done here has transformed the station and its surroundings, making it easier for customers to use, providing better facilities for passengers and employees alike, easing congestion, improving interchange arrangements and making the station a better gateway to the town.”

Further improvements at the station include the refurbishment of the waiting rooms, opening up the counter service area and adding more comfortable seats and charging points in the station.

More ticket machines and a water fountain have also been installed.

Greater Anglia was also highly commended in the ‘train of the year award’ for its wheel slide protection (WSP) project on its Class 156 diesel trains.

The scheme, which has been set up on rural lines such as those to Marks Tey or Sudbury, delivered a 38% reduction in autumn cancellations on local lines and a 4.6% rise in punctuality in autumn 2017.

It was the first time the technology, which prevents wheel damage in slippery conditions, has been used on trains of this type.

As a result of the success of the new system, the scheme is being rolled out to Greater Anglia’s fleet of Class 153 diesel trains.

Jason Mills, Greater Anglia’s Norwich depot technical manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive further recognition for our innovative project, taking a class of train that some though incompatible with WSP and creating a bespoke system that has surpassed everyone’s expectations.

“Now that is being rolled out to the Class 153 fleet as well, our trains will be even more reliable, as they will not need to be taken out of service as often to visit the wheel lathe.

“It is further investment in our current train fleet to improve our passengers’ experience, while we await the roll out of new trains from 2019.”