EVERYTHING is looking rosy for Atherton train station — thanks to community-spirited Val Houghton.

The keen gardener has been adding some colour to the station grounds of the station by planting tubs, pots and hanging baskets.

Estate agent Val, aged 70 from Atherton, said: "I heard about what they had done at Hindley and Westhoughton station and I thought why can't I do something like that, so I contacted National Rail and had a meeting with them and they said yes do it.

"I will be planting evergreens so it will look nice even in winter and I'll be planting rose trees because I love roses.

"I love doing things like this. It's nice to do something nice in your home town and make it look nice.

Val, who will be looking after the project all year round, has also had permission to create a shrub garden at the train station in which the public can donate to.

She said: "I have left one part of the station to plant shrubs that come up every year and I thought it would be a nice idea if say someone had lost a loved one and would like to donate a shrub for them they could, or if anyone would like to donate a shrub for any reason I would plant it for them.

"I've finished one section and planted all shrubs and primulas in there and then on the other section that's going to be filled with rose trees and I've got 18 trees to go in there.

"I am having a plaque put up too for people who have donated a shrub for a loved one, which says remember me.

"I just think it’s nice for people when they are going on the train for it to look nice.

"My family and friends think I am mad but I just want Atherton to look nice, I've lived here for 50 years.

"I've also planted over 300 bulbs next to Atherton Parish Church.

"I go to the station on my way home from work at night and I go on Saturday's and Sundays so I am busy but it will all be worth it in the end."

To donate a shrub to the station's garden call Val on: 07831 329142