Train operator Northern is set to introduce British Sign Language (BSL) announcements on all of its services.

The decision follows a successful trial on trains between York, Leeds, and Manchester last year.

The technology, developed by InfoTec and Signapse, enables a sign language interpreter to appear on the on-board screens to tell customers which station they are approaching.

For the full roll-out, interpreters will be filmed signing each station, before AI editing software is used on the clips to create the video announcements.

Matt Rice, chief operating officer, said: "It’s fantastic to see these sign language announcements have been well received by our customers during the recent trial and we can now press ahead with rolling them out on all of our services."

Northern is also exploring plans to introduce BSL announcements for cancellations, delays, and other incidents.

According to 2021 census data, BSL is the main language of 22,000 people across the UK.