NETWORK Rail has launched an investigation after a train collided with equipment left on the track by a contractor.

No one was hurt in the incident and the train sustained only minor damage when it hit the portable generator on Sunday morning.

A passenger watchdog group described the collision as "very disturbing" and one which should never have happened.

The Arriva Trains Northern vehicle hit the generator at a very slow speed as it left Leeds station in the early morning on its way from Manchester Airport to York.