The Coffee Station, at Hebden Bridge Train Station, beat off competition from dozens of station shops and eateries across the UK to bag the 2008 Community Rail Award.

But while owners Lisa Crebbin and Antoinette Hunt were stunned by the prize - the cafe won third place in the Best Station Retail Outlet category - their customers already think its a winner.

West Yorkshire station manager Matthew Gibson, who nominated the cafe, said it is a favourite with commuters and rail staff alike, with conductors and other train workers regularly phoning ahead with orders to collect when their train comes into the station.

He added: “When you are here on a morning the majority of people who come in are on first name terms with the staff. It is such a unique, personal service, so they really deserve this.”

Their award was announced at a ceremony in Plymouth.

Lisa and Antoinette, both from Hebden Bridge, took over the Coffee Station, which is based in the old Parcel Office, three years ago after leaving careers in customer service and nursing. Since then they have introduced a huge selection of organic and fair-trade teas, real coffee and use locally-sourced produce wherever they can. Everything, including cakes, hot and cold sandwiches and soups, are all made on the premises. It has also just secured an alcohol licence.

Antoinette said their aim was to become part of the community and show people what Hebden Bridge is about, starting the minute people get off the train.

Lisa said: “We wanted to be a place people want to come to not just somewhere people pass through. We wanted people to pick something up to eat or drink because they want to not because there isn’t anywhere else.

“We try to provide a community service as well, often people ask us to pass on messages or leave things with us. There is a lot of familiarity and a lot of trust.”

The sense of community is also apparent in the artwork that adorns the walls and busy noticeboard.

The Coffee Station, which also employs two other staff members, is open from 6am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30am to 3pm on Saturday.