The security officers will also patrol tram car parks and stations

The uniformed public safety officers will patrol the network throughout the day including the last trams at night.

The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority has hired the team, who will work alongside police, to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

Car parks and tram stations will also be included in the patrols which will focus on the three Metrolink lines - Altrincham, Eccles and Bury.

Councillor Roger Jones, chairman of the GMPTA, said he was hoping to persuade "many more people to use public transport".

"I hope the new security team will help to reassure them that they'll be safe.

"We've hired public safety officers on the Metrolink network in the past.

"However, this is the first time we've hired a team to patrol the system at all times of the day, seven days a week."