A NEWLY built train station has been hailed for its "iconic" design as it won a national award.

Oxford Parkway was bestowed with the honour of becoming medium-sized 'station of the year' at the National Rail Awards, which celebrate the best people, projects and stations in the railway industry.

Chiltern Railways opened the station near Kidlington last October, offering a direct line to London Marylebone among other locations.

Jenny Payne, customer services director at the railway provider, said: "We are very proud of Oxford Parkway and the incredible team of people working at the station.

"When we designed the service, we put customers at the heart of our thinking to create a new way of travelling to London. Our customers consistently tell us they like the experience we deliver and to have our investment and hard work recognised with this award, is a huge achievement."

Judges described the modern building, which features expanses of glass and a jagged shape, as "iconic" and noted innovative ticketing and information systems.

It said staff were exemplified the "highest standards" of customer service.

The next phase of the Oxford to London Marylebone route will open on December 12, after the final tracks were fixed last week, when the line will be extended to Oxford Railway Station near Frideswide Square.