A train station in Dudley has been nominated in a competition to find the nation's favourite station.

Dudley Port Station is one of four stations nominated in the West Midlands category of the World Cup of Stations competition.

They are up against Telford Central, Dorridge and Stoke-On-Trent who are all trying to secure the highest number of public votes to take them through to the next round.

The World Cup of Stations is an annual competition run by The Rail Delivery Group.

Each year, the competition has a different focus, with this year’s being centred around the local businesses that each station has on their doorstep.

Located off the town’s bustling high street, Dudley Port Station is surrounded by dozens of local, independent businesses as well as a national cycling route and a picturesque canal.

Matt Bradley, head of stations for West Midlands Railway, said: “Our stations are at the heart of our communities and provide a valuable economic boost to the areas they serve by allowing shoppers and visitors to travel freely and spend in local shops.

 “We are delighted that Dudley Port has been recognised and included to compete in this year’s World Cup of Stations competition, which celebrates the role of stations nationally.”

A recent report commissioned by Rail Delivery Group found that rail travel contributes around £23 billion annually to local high streets around departure stations, with £9 billion specifically benefiting independent businesses. 

Last year’s World Cup of Stations saw members of the public cast over 72,000 votes across all 12 heats, with Wemyss Bay Station in Scotland taking the crown.

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Local businesses in stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities they serve, and we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales.  

“All of the stations nominated are making a positive impact on their local community, and the variety of businesses at stations is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, as well as the importance placed on supporting local businesses.”

Martin McTague, National Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, added: “Railway stations up and down the country are home to a huge range of small firms, serving their local community, regular commuters and day trippers on a daily basis.

“These businesses contribute such a lot to our local economies and are a great source of employment.

“Not only do railway stations house an array of businesses, they are vital for providing visitors with easy access to local high streets, upping footfall and fostering trade.

“This competition is a great way to shine a light on the excellent and varied small firms based in and around transport hubs across the UK, showcasing the products and services they have to offer.” 

You have until the end of the day on Tuesday, October 15 to cast your vote in the West Midlands group stage by sharing the #WorldCupofStations on social media.

The semi-finals will place on Thursday, October 17 with the winner set to be crowned at 10am on October 22.