The initiative aims to cut anti-social behaviour on the railway

National charity StudentForce now has its headquarters in the main building at Oakham railway station.

The aim of the scheme is to revive old railway premises and help the local community, as well as cutting down on anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

It works by offering local charity and community groups the use of redundant buildings for a minimal rent.

"The deal is a very simple one," said Mike Haig of Central Trains.

"We let the property at a peppercorn rent - here they're paying something like �25 over 25 years for the lease - and in exchange the railway gets a safer environment.

"It prevents anti-social behaviour, there's less graffiti."

"So there's a pay-back for the railway and there's a benefit for the local community."

Sara Branch of StudentForce added: "Being here is great for accessing local young people as well, making people more aware of what we do and I think it's good news for Oakham as well."

Similar schemes are planned for seven more stations across the UK.