WORKERS at rail operator Northern – which runs services on the Airedale line – are being trained in how to spot vulnerable passengers.

The company's 7,000-strong workforce, including conductors and station staff, will learn to recognise signs that someone may need help – and be given the confidence to intervene.

Training is being provided by the charity Railway Children, whose work focusses on identifying people at risk and helping with early forms of intervention.

Tricia Williams, for Northern, said: "Our customers are at the heart of everything we do – and being able to spot those in need, whether they approach our teams for help or not, is really important."

The initiative is welcomed by British Transport Police, which says that in 2020 it intervened in 25,997 cases involving vulnerable people – covering issues ranging from mental health crisis to child sexual exploitation.

Acting Superintendent Dave Rams, head of crime and public protection at British Transport Police, said: "Railway staff act as the eyes and ears of the rail network and if they report their concerns, they will help us to protect people."

British Transport Police can be contacted on 0800 40 50 40 or via text message on 61016.