Rail emergency response is tested

The event is one of a number staged during the year

Emergency services will be putting their responses to the test when a major rail incident is staged.

Network Rail is hosting the exercise at Shildon, County Durham, on Saturday and Sunday which will involve a stolen car being struck by a train.

It will be an overnight exercise which will test emergency response, search and rescue, passenger care and investigation of the incident.

Each of the organisations involved has its own emergency plan.

Working together

The event will involve Network Rail and Arriva Trains Northern, alongside local emergency services, British Transport Police and the local authority as well as voluntary organisations like the Women's Royal Voluntary Service.

Network Rail operations and safety manager Tony Walton said: "I would like to thank all those who are participating in this event for the commitment they have shown.

"Network Rail is committed to operating a safe railway and it is essential that we work closely together with our industry partners and emergency services."