A team of eight Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are to be deployed across TransPennine Express services in bid to boost rail safety.

The rail operator said the initiative had been launched in partnership with British Transport Police (BTP).

Teams will be based in Hull, York, Manchester, Preston and Sheffield, covering major stations and routes, including Hull to Leeds, Scarborough to Newcastle and Manchester Airport to Liverpool and Preston.

Managing Director Chris Jackson said: “By introducing PCSOs, we’re setting a new standard for the industry and giving our customers and colleagues the reassurance they deserve.”