Youngsters have been issued with warnings to stay clear of railway tracks as the line between Bradford Interchange and Leeds reopens.

As commuters breathe a sigh of relief, British Transport Police are worried about the safety of children who may continue to play on the track.

The main line between the Interchange and Leeds, which runs through Bramley and New Pudsey stations, has been closed for five months as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment at Leeds station.

During that time it has become a haven for trespassers, mostly children playing on the line.

Leaflets have been delivered to schools in the area warning youngsters of the dangers of playing on the tracks.

Sergeant Michael Jackson, of British Transport Police, said: "Notoriously the railways attract children.

"We want to get the message over that from Monday there will be trains running along the track at high speed.

"I have been to many incidents where people have been struck by a train and very rarely have I known anybody to survive. It is a serious issue and a serious message."

Warnings have also been issued to motorists and residents using the road and rail crossing in Daleside Road, near Thornbury, known as Ducketts Crossing.

Notices have been put up and leaflets delivered to residents warning them that the crossing will become fully operational on Monday.

According to Railtrack, intensive engineering works will take place over the weekend before the line reopens on Monday with a 30 per cent new infrastructure to the line including track, signals and overhead line.

"We are delighted we are running to schedule," said a spokesman. "The line has been shut for five months so we are going to have to monitor performances.

"It won't be an immediate full service that's resumed but we are hoping to build up to a full timetable very quickly."

Anybody with information regarding trespassers should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040. For a timetable contact Metro on (0113) 2457676.