STUDENTS can travel by train for half-price under a deal with rail firm First TransPennine Express.

The company, which operates services including Newcastle to Manchester Airport, Middlesbrough to Manchester Airport and Scarborough to Liverpool, estimates there are more than 350,000 students on full-time courses at universities and colleges in its network area.

It has now launched a student offer to run indefinitely.

Students, who must have a Young Person's Railcard to qualify, can buy half-price tickets to be used on its trains between 9.30am and 4.30pm, 6.30pm and 7am and any time at weekends.

First TransPennine Express staff will be visiting university fresher fairs across the North-East this month to promote the offer.

Tickets must be booked by 6pm the day before travel either at rail stations or online at www.tpexpress.co.uk