MALTON railway station is set to get improvements, including a new ticket office, waiting room and accessible toilet.

TransPennine Express, which runs the station, is allocating the funds to make the changes.

Thirsk & Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake has welcomed the news. He said: “This is very welcome news as these facilities have been badly needed at Malton for a long time.

“The problem was highlighted last year when passengers were often forced to spend long periods at the station waiting for a delayed or cancelled train with nowhere to go and no conveniences.”

Design work on the upgrade has already started and physical works are likely to start during the coming financial year. The project will be delivered in partnership with Ryedale District Council and the Railway Heritage Trust.

Charlie French of TransPennine Express, said: “We’re delighted to announce that Malton station will be receiving funding from the TransPennine Express Customer and Communities Fund to enhance the facilities at the station. In partnership with Ryedale District Council, we will be delivering a brand new ticket office at the station alongside a waiting room and an accessible toilet. These enhancements will ensure that our customers who use Malton station will have a station to be proud of.”

Meanwhile, Malton in Bloom has been awarded £5,000 from the train operator to spend on its floral displays.

Mr Hollinrake added: “Anyone who uses Malton station will appreciate the tremendous effort that local volunteers, which includes school children, make to create such a colourful and striking display throughout the year.”

A spokesman for Malton in Bloom said they were delighted with the award and thanked everyone who voted for them.