A YORK-based train company is urging parents to remind children about the dangers of playing near railway lines.

Arriva Trains Northern (ATN) has issued the fresh warning as youngsters in York, North and East Yorkshire enjoy the start of the summer holiday.

Ray Price, ATN managing director, said: "Now that the school summer holidays are here we want to stress the importance of not straying on to railway lines.

"With six weeks of free time they may start to consider investigating new places to play. We want local children to understand that although it may appear exciting to fool around on or near railway lines it is actually incredibly dangerous.

"We are asking parents across the region to help us remind youngsters about the hazards of trespassing."

Mr Price appealed to parents to spend "just five minutes" talking through the dangers with youngsters and play an "important role in helping spread the message".

He said: "Our hope is that together we can persuade youngsters to play safe this summer and not put themselves in a position where they could be hurt or even killed." ATN has also teamed up with British Transport Police in an effort to ensure their message reaches all children and parents.

In the past, the two organisations have worked together on a number of initiatives to reduce trespassing and vandalism on the lines.

Danny Snee, chief inspector of the British Transport Police, said: "We ask all parents to ensure their young children stay off the railway lines and have a safe summer holiday.

"For those who are old enough to recognise the dangers we also urge them not put themselves in danger and keep well away from railway tracks.

"It is vital that they understand that if they do ignore the warnings and go on to commit offences by trespassing on the railway lines they will face prosecution.

"And I am sure that this is something that they and their parents do not wish to see happen."

Anyone who sees trespassing on the rail network should phone 0800 405 040. All calls are treated in confidence.

Updated: 08:53 Thursday, July 24, 2003