A CREWE railway charity surprised a staff award winner when it got Prime Minister Boris Johnson to make its presentation.

The Railway Benefit Fund launched the Heart of Gold Awards to celebrate the work of rail employees with Jennifer Birdsall, a customer Service assistant with Avanti West Coast, being declared the winner in the 'Going the Extra Mile' category.

She was expecting to receive the award from the charity after being nominated by colleagues at Warrington Bank Quay Station. But instead it was the PM who showed up on a stop-off in Cheshire during his northern tour to unveil the government's Integrated Rail Plan yesterday (Thursday).

Jennifer was chosen for her rapport on the platform. She has helped save the lives of many vulnerable individuals during her working life, while building up an army of fans at the Cheshire station where she is known for making cups of tea and coffee for train enthusiasts and working with local volunteers to arrange station plant displays.

The PM and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps took time to talk to Jennifer about her role before jumping on board a West Coast service for Wolverhampton.

"I was a bit overwhelmed as I didn't I expect to win anything - I'm just doing my job," said Jennifer.

"The Railway Benefit Fund do such great work, so it means a lot to be recognised by the charity. But the award is a much for me as it is for the wonderful team we have at Bank Quay."

The Railway Benefit Fund's 'Going the Extra Mile Award' was sponsored by railway technology company, Furrer + Frey.

Claire Houghton, CEO of the charity, said: "We were so moved by Jennifer's nomination which demonstrated her incredible kindness and dedication to her colleagues and customers."

The charity's president, Pete Waterman, said: "I see Jenny regularly when I travel and she is always so warm and friendly. She truly has a Heart of Gold."