GNER hopes more staff will become special constables

The group of 13, who work the London, Leeds, York, Newcastle and Scotland routes, have become special constables for British Transport Police (BTP).

They have completed a two-week training programme and will now receive further training in the coming months when they will shadow full-time officers.

GNER hopes to encourage more staff to volunteer to be special constables.

Increased security

The GNER specials will work two days a month for BTP and their duties will include patrolling stations and railway lines.

Special constables have similar powers to full-time officers, including the power of arrest.

Rob Robinson, support liaison manager for GNER, said: "The specials will be on trains, on stations and everywhere the BTP full-time officers operate."

GNER hopes the move will provide reassurance and increased security for both frontline staff and passengers.

The specials were sworn in at a ceremony at the Mansion House in York.