Risk assessment measures developed by a North-East council to prevent another Selby-type rail tragedy could form the basis of a national blueprint.

Engineers from Durham County Council this week met Railtrack officials to consider further work which may be needed to bridges in the county to avoid vehicles careering on to railway lines.

Both bodies have now agreed to work together to develop a joint approach to risk assessment at the bridges in question which could be adopted nationally.

The council carried out its own survey of railway bridges in the immediate aftermath of the Selby crash.

It coincided with an investigation by the Northern Echo which found the approaches to dozens of bridges between Newcastle and York were inadequately protected.

Often it is unclear exactly which authority is responsible for safety measures, leading to confusion over who should ultimately foot the bill for repairs.