Parents in north-east England are being asked to ensure their children stay away from railway lines during the approaching half-term holidays.

Arriva Trains Northern says the number of incidents affecting railway property, such as vandalism and sabotage of tracks, increases during school breaks.

They said that during the holiday there was a temptation among many children to investigate new places.

A company spokesman said: "Some children may think it is exciting to fool around near railway lines - but the reality is that it is very dangerous.

'Dedicated officers'

"By getting more parents to help us remind youngsters about the hazards of trespassing, we can encourage them to play safely and not put themselves in a position where they could be hurt or even killed."

The advice coincides with a campaign being mounted by British Transport Police.

It is stepping up patrols in Middlesbrough and Stockton to deter youths who hang around railway stations and intimidate rail users.

Sergeant Nigel Ashworth, from Cleveland Police, said: "There will be a number of dedicated officers in the area using marked and unmarked cars, and CCTV, to track offenders.

"If we find any offenders they will be dealt with within the law."