Security award for train station

A railway station in north-east England has received an award for its work to improve passenger safety.

Darlington station has won "Secure Stations" status from the British Transport Police, Department for Transport and Crime Concern.

There have been a number of improvements at the GNER-run facility including CCTV monitoring.

The scheme is government-backed and is aimed at improving personal security at railway stations.

Cameras at the station are linked to the town centre system, which is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week by Darlington Borough Council.

GNER customer operations director Jim Gilbert said: "It's clearly important that rail travellers should feel safe and secure at all times and this important accreditation is the result of a great deal of hard work by the GNER team at Darlington, working with our BTP partners.

"Secure stations status brings a welcome reassurance to passengers, railway staff and the people of Darlington."