Friends of Buxton Station short story competition winners revealed

Last month the community rail group asked young people to write a ‘positive and happy 50-word mini-saga’ to ‘make someone smile or laugh out loud’.

Winning entrants will receive free family Northern rail tickets - meaning a day out seeing attractions in Chester or Manchester once Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.

FOBS volunteers Dave Carlisle said while launching the competition the 50-word mini saga should be ‘positive and happy’ and that ‘negative or nasty’ stories would not be chosen.

The story was to be called ‘It Happened At Buxton Station’.

Young writers were asked to find inspiration for their tales by viewing photos taken at the station such as Joe The Guard made of scrap metal or the now-demolished maintenance depot.

The three winning stories include a music fan who picks up a forgotten instrument while travelling to a concert and Buxton Station being mysteriously painted overnight.

While another features a passenger dancing with Joe The Robot - who has magically come to life.

Winning stories are as follows:

Erin Taylor, aged 10:

Quickly running, I don’t want to miss seeing the best band ever.

Everyone is already seated, I dash before the sliding doors close, grabbing the forgotten guitar case left on the platform.

When I’m on the train I see a name on the case. Maybe this could get me backstage?

Oliver Grant, aged 9:

The secret train painters appeared last night. The body was purple; the windows blue and red.

There were orange seats and a brown carpet with white spots. If you found the train unusual then you should have seen the station!

An amazing rainbow of bright colours. The circus had arrived!

Writer’s identity withheld:

I arrived on the platform; it was a wet gloomy day.

To my surprise the metal robot man came alive. He was dancing with his flag that looked like a candy cane.

I danced with him, suddenly my gloomy day was full of sunshine.

A rainbow appeared; I was happy.

FOBS say winning rail tickets will be sent out once Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.

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