RAIL operator Northern is installing water dispensers at more than 30 of its busiest stations – including Keighley.

The aim is to enable customers to refill their water bottles, and cut down on plastic waste.

Seventeen of the stations included in the scheme, which follows a successful trial carried out at Bolton and Castleford, are in the Yorkshire and Derbyshire region.

Each dispenser has a hands-free sensor and will provide free, chilled water. And a digital counter will show how many times reusable bottles have been refilled.

Tony Baxter, regional director with Northern, says: "We want to provide our customers with unlimited free water refills and help them to stay hydrated, cut down on plastic pollution and save money.

"Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and this is a benefit for them and the environment.

"We are also working with key suppliers to reduce carbon emissions from the business supply chain as well as become efficient with resources such as water, energy and fuel."

In total, 32 water dispensers are currently being installed – which will cater for 45 per cent of Northern's station footfall. It is planned to add a further 19 early next year.