Star of The Railway Children records platform announcement for favourite station

A star from the classic movie The Railway Children has recorded a platform announcement for her favourite station.

Jenny Agutter has recorded the announcement calling on Thameslink commuters to vote for her much-loved railway station, Denmark Hill, in a national competition.

Thameslink has joined the Rail Delivery Group to shortlist 48 locations across the country in a World Cup of Stations that starts today to celebrate Community Rail Week.

The contest is based on votes cast by the public online. The winner of the group stages will go through to the semi-finals on Thursday and then the final on Friday.

Ms Agutter, who now entertains today’s TV viewers as Sister Julienne in BBC 1’s Call The Midwife, is urging passengers at her local railway station to cast their vote.

Her announcement will be played out by Thameslink on PA speakers across Denmark Hill platforms today.

The announcement reads: “Hi, this is Jenny Agutter. Please join me in voting for our fabulous Thameslink station, Denmark Hill, in the World Cup of Stations competition. 

“You must do this today, by searching #WorldCupOfStations’ online or on Twitter. 

“It won’t cost you anything. Thank you!”

If Denmark Hill makes it through to the next round, Ms Agutter will make further announcements.

Tim Dunn, TV presenter and judge in the World Cup Of Stations competition, said: “I had the tricky task of selecting the shortlist of 48 stations – tricky, because it represents the work of 48 groups of chuffing ace volunteers.

“The time, energy and love each group gives is because of a love of our shared railway and their communities, too. 

“Remember, like a football world cup, the winners each day need more and more support.”

Pictured top: Jenny Agutter holding banner on right, at the launch of the station partnership (Picture: Thameslink)