EMPLOYEES with rail operator Northern – which runs services on the Airedale line – are being given special training to help protect vulnerable passengers.

Conductors, customer service staff and station workers are amongst those undergoing the training, which forms part of Northern’s membership of the Safeguarding on Rail Scheme.

Lisa Leighton, people director at Northern, says: "Everyone who works on the railway has an important part to play in supporting and protecting vulnerable people who use our trains and stations.

"In the last three months alone, colleagues across our network have intervened to help people in distress on a number of occasions.

"As someone who volunteers for Samaritans, I know how important it is for people to receive help when they need it most.

"Training courses like the one we’re delivering to our employees could make all the difference to someone going through a hard time."

The training is delivered by the charity, Railway Children.

The Safeguarding on Rail Scheme was developed by the Department for Transport and British Transport Police, in response to an increasing number of vulnerable people using the rail network.

Through the initiative, organisations work with partners to play a proactive role in safeguarding vulnerable passengers.