THE rail watchdog for the North-East has criticised the lack of help for passengers in its last annual report.

The North-East Rail Passengers' Committee said customers were "again and again highlighting the need for better station facilities".

It also said there was a crucial need for improved information at stations in the region.

Committee chairwoman Christine Knights said 76 per cent of stations were unstaffed and that many had no displays or announcements on services.

She said that although the likes of GNER were making improvements, there was still "much to be done, which will make a real difference to people's experience of trail travel".

The committee also gave First TransPennine Express a list of improvements needed at its stations.

Ms Knights said: "We would urge that plans are brought to fruition as soon as possible.

"This is not about cosmetic changes. Of course, though, broken windows and other damaged property need to be repaired as quickly as possible. Waiting rooms need to be kept open, waiting shelters provided, as well as toilet facilities, benches, poster information, help-points and/or telephones, cycle racks and ticket machines."

The report highlighted improvements in the number of trains on time in the region, but said the way train companies looked after their passengers when they faced delays needed more attention.

The committee is being replaced next month by a national watchdog.