A ‘FIRST class’ passenger lounge was just the ticket for commuters to relax at Lydney train station.

The unmanned station had been transformed, with cushions, rugs, pictures and plants for commuters to enjoy, plus free tea and coffee.

The makeover was thanks to a partnership between Arriva Trains Wales and local art group FarOpen.

Passengers were surprised to find that Arriva’s usually empty railway shelters had been decorated with home furnishings and artwork, alongside a large sculpture playing relaxing sounds to soothe them as they waited for their train.

The commuters met ‘Dog’, a life-like puppet and two members of Found in the Forest Youth Theatre, as part of the pop-up event on Friday, June 30.

Roger Phelps, of the Dean Forest Steam Railway, said: “Lydney mainline station is one of more than 130 unmanned Arriva Trains Wales stations that has been adopted by local businesses and organisations.

“With our own Lydney junction station just 100 yards away we thought it made perfect sense to adopt Lydney station ourselves, which we did back in 2012.

“Since then our enthusiastic Dean Forest Railway volunteers have tended the planters and garden areas and make regular inspections of the platforms, waiting shelters and car park to ensure that Lydney station is always safe, clean, tidy and welcoming to everyone who uses this facility which is vitally important for the local community.”