The man tasked with preparing Northern for the autumn problem of fallen leaves on the line has shared insights into the train operator's efforts.

Rob Cummings, Northern's seasonal performance improvement manager, who is now in his tenth autumn with the company, said: "Leaves on the line is a serious safety and performance issue for the railway.

"You have a steel wheel on a steel rail and anything that causes low adhesion can be a big problem."

In wet weather, leaves compress to form a slippery layer on the rail, likened to black ice.

The compressed leaves cause trains to slide, requiring drivers to pull away slowly and brake early, which can which can lead to longer journey times and delays.

Northern completed the roll-out of additional equipment on its trains in July, in preparation for the problem.

Mr Cummings continued: "This is the first season we are using Double Variable Rate Sanders and Water-Trak equipment across some of our fleet. 

"I think we will see a big benefit once the drivers are confident using it."

Another technology being deployed this year is Wheel Slide Prevention technology, which prevents wheels from locking when trains are in motion.