YOUNGSTERS in the Harrogate area are about to be targeted with a railway safety message.

Arriva Trains Northern schools liaison officer Chris Leech is bringing his play safe and stay safe message to schools in the area during the next few weeks. Over the last 18 months, he has met 56,000 youngsters across the North-East and given presentations to them on the importance of staying away from the railway.

His approach is to work with schools to try and prevent accidents and possible injury before they happen.

Chris explains: "I am trying to get out and meet as many young people as possible and Harrogate is next on my list.

"When I go out and talk to children, it is clear that many of them have no idea how dangerous playing near the railway could be - so the more we can give safety messages to, the better."

Managing director Dyan Crowther said: "Arriva takes safety issues very seriously and places huge importance on initiatives of this kind.

"We're delighted to be able to support Chris in the work that he does on our behalf and are committed to continuing getting these important messages out to children."

In addition, Chris will also be rolling out a safer stations campaign in Harrogate in conjunction with British Transport Police.

The campaign reminds young people that loitering at a station without a valid ticket to travel is actually trespass and that messing about can lead to injury and/or criminal convictions.