PARENTS are being urged to stop their children from trespassing on railway lines this half term.

Arriva Trains Northern (ATN) and British Transport Police have joined forces to warn parents about the dangers of children playing on railway lines.

ATN's commercial director, Dyan Crowther, said: "Some children might think that it could be exciting to fool around near railway lines, but the reality is that it is incredibly dangerous."

Danny Snee, Chief Inspector of British Transport Police, warned children could also face prosecution.

He said: "We also urge those that are old enough to recognise the dangers, to not put themselves in danger and keep away from railway tracks.

"They should understand that if they ignore the warnings and go on to commit offences they will face prosecution."

ATN works with British Transport Police and Network Rail on initiatives to reduce trespassing and vandalism including train shadowing which involves police officers travelling on trains and reporting trespassers to nearby crews.

ATN also teamed up with Network Rail and the British Transport Police to bring youngsters for a free day out at the National Rail Museum which included sessions on rail safety.

Updated: 10:55 Tuesday, February 18, 2003