A FORMER railway station in West Devon received a visit from BBC's Antiques Roadshow expert Paul Atterbury recently, as part of a heritage awards scheme.

The former Old Tavistock Railway Station has been nominated with the National Railway Heritage Awards.

Having reached the second round of judging, railway enthusiast and Antiques Roadshow regular Paul Atterbury visited the station to assess the restoration and adaptation of the property. The old station now forms three luxury five star self-catering cottages and the owners Jenny and Colin Rogers are hoping to clinch a prize within the Railway Heritage Trust Conservation Award Category.

Colin carried out much of the work and is optimistic that his attention to detail and sympathetic restoration will be recognised. The station has retained much of its Victorian heritage and the cottages are aptly named The Ticketing Hall, The Refreshment Hall and The Porter's Office.

The original platform and ornate Victorian canopy remain, along with original fireplaces, close boarded ceilings and ticket windows.

The Station opened as self-catering accommodation in 2008 and shortly afterwards the Station Master's house became home to Jenny and Colin.

Colin said: 'Although the station has been awarded 5 Star Gold by Visit England, it would be a great honour to receive recognition from railway experts.'

Paul Atterbury asked many questions about the restoration, the methods and materials used and the design choices.

He was also very interested in the history of the station, having written several railway books he was keen to learn more about Tavistock's railway heritage.

The award results will be revealed at a ceremony in London during December.