Youngsters will be taught about the dangers of trespassing and vandalism on the railways in a pioneer scheme to combat accidents.

The project, the first of its kind in the country, will see British Transport Police join forces with rail companies Arriva, GNER and Railtrack and Bradford's Youth Offending Team.

Two BTP officers will join the district's youth offending team next month to work with young people who have been caught on the railways. They will also attend summer schemes to raise awareness of the dangers.

The move follows a number of incidents where young people have been caught playing "chicken" on the tracks as well as hurling bricks and stones at passing trains.

Inspector Jane Kitchen, of British Transport Police, said: "Trespass and vandalism is a significant threat to rail safety and is often the cause of service delays.

"We are delighted to have this opportunity to work closely with Bradford Council, through the Youth Offending Team and Youth Services. Our collective long term aim is to raise the profile of the dangers of trespass and vandalism on the railways and reduce its occurrence.

"This should improve the safety and confidence of those using the rail network."

The three rail companies have donated £10,000 in total to the scheme, with helicopter services - including daylight and thermal cameras - provided by Jarvis Systems of York.

A Railtrack spokesman said: "Trespass and vandalism costs us £26.6 million a year. It's nice to see everybody working together to try and reduce these crimes."

Council leader Margaret Eaton said: "There are so many young people who put themselves and other people in danger by trespassing in unsafe places and they need to be made aware of the dangers.

"We're pleased to be supporting this."