Betws-y-Coed is the latest station to join the scheme

The scheme was launched in 2004 to cover 190 Arriva railway stations which are not staffed across Wales and the border counties of England.

The 100th station was adopted at Betws y Coed in Gwynedd at the weekend.

Locals said they wanted to keep the station as a 'welcoming gateway' to the Snowdonia village.

"The train station is what helped to make Betws-y-Coed famous so it's an important part of our history and culture," said community councillor Marion Betteney.

"On a personal front I walk my dog over the station footbridge at least once a day so I can keep a close eye on the facilities and let our local station manager, Gerald Jones, know if there are any issues that may need addressing," Mrs Betteney added.

Valuable role

Businessman Colin Cartwright runs the Conwy Valley Railway Museum in the village.

"We count ourselves lucky to have the station and gateway to the scenic Conwy Valley Line practically on our doorstep," he said.

British Transport Police have reported a drop in crime and anti-social behaviour at a number of the stations which are looked after by the scheme.

"By acting as an extra pair of eyes and ears at local stations and keeping us informed of any issues station adopters perform a valuable role for Arriva Trains Wales," said Arriva's customer services director Ian Bullock.

Station adopters carry out regular spot checks on the tidiness and cleanliness of the station. Issues needing addressing are then passed on to the station manager.

In return adopters are offered travel vouchers for use on the Arriva Trains Wales network.