Yatton Railway Station is among those across the country competing in this year's World Cup of Stations.

The competition, hosted by the Rail Delivery Group, celebrates the importance of rail and its role in supporting communities, businesses, and the economy.

This year, 48 stations will vie for the title, with a focus on the businesses that make stations vital community hubs.

The competition will take place from October 14 to 18, with the winner being announced on October 22.

Four stations feature in the bonus heat, where you can vote for Wilmslow, Yatton, Petersfield, or Shawford stations when voting opens on Wednesday, October 16, at 8am and finishes at midnight.

This year’s competition will showcase the best stations in the country, which have amazing local businesses either in their station or the surrounding area.

In the bonus round, Wilmslow, Yatton, Petersfield, and Shawford stations have been included, which are based on suggestions made by Community Rail Network, which work to engage local people with their railways, promote social inclusion, and support sustainable travel.

These stations have been recognised for their role in promoting local engagement and supporting their communities.

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: "Local businesses in stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities they serve, and we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland, and Wales.

"All of the stations nominated are making a positive impact on their local community, and the variety of businesses at stations is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, as well as the importance placed on supporting local businesses."

The competition will unfold in a series of online public votes, with three semi-finals on October 17 and a final on October 18.

Last year’s competition saw more than 72,000 votes cast across 12 heats, with Wemyss Bay in Scotland taking the crown.

This year, stations from all over the UK will compete, showcasing the best local businesses that make our train stations more than just places to catch a train.

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, added: "The community rail movement is constantly striving to promote, enhance, and transform stations for the benefit of local communities, including using half of Britain’s stations as sites for volunteering, providing spaces for community initiatives, running locally-led arts and nature projects, or improving sustainable travel confidence and connections."

Don't miss your chance to have your say in the World Cup of Stations 2024 and support the station that brings the best of local businesses to your community.

You can vote for Wilmslow, Yatton, Petersfield, and Shawford stations in the bonus category at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations.