Footballers learn railway safety

Young footballers are being warned about the dangers of trespassing on to railway lines.

Network Rail has teamed up with Darlington Football Club's Football in the Community scheme to tackle crime on the railway network.

The scheme provides holiday activities for children as well as highlighting safety messages.

Last week, Network Rail announced teams would be patrolling rail crime hotspot areas over the summer holidays.

Network Rail external liaison officer Vicki Smith said: "Every year children are killed or injured on the railway.

'Healthy lifestyle'

"Network Rail works with Football in the Community in 'hotspot' areas to provide after school and holiday activities for children at times when they often feel bored and start to see the railway as a potential playground.

"The coaching sessions also allow us to deliver safety messages to educate children about the dangers of trespassing on railways."

The operator says crime on the railway is thought to cost £260m a year.

Football in the Community manager Kevin Stonehouse said: "Football in the Community introduces children to football and their local football club.

"As well as educating children about football and a healthy lifestyle our partnership with Network Rail allows us to get the message across about the dangers of the railway."