Northern staff are receiving special training in an effort to protect 'vulnerable' railway users.

That includes people "subject to abuse, addiction, and intimidation, as well as a range of mental heath issues."

Lisa Leighton, people director at Northern, said: "Everyone who works on the railway has an important part to play in supporting and protecting the 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 – and I’m so relieved they did.

"As someone who volunteers for Samaritans, I know how important it is for people to receive the help they need, 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 Safeguarding on Rail scheme was developed by the Department for Transport and British Transport Police.