Arriva operates train services across Wales

The cameras are intended to improve security on Arriva services, which run across Wales and the north of England.

The announcement, on Tuesday, coincides with the launch of a UK-wide rail industry campaign to tackle assaults on railway employees.

The new CCTV system has been funded by �2m from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Eighty-five Arriva trains will be fitted with two cameras inside, with a forward-facing camera in the driver's cab to record any trespassing on the line.

We will not tolerate attacks on those who become a victim for simply doing their job Paul Richards, British Transport Police

Arriva Trains Wales carries more than 60,000 passengers a day.

Since January 2004, there have been 28 verbal and 40 physical assaults reported against the company's employees.

According to Arriva, 59% of the assaults against staff were physical with train conductors most at risk.

Verbal assaults against employees were highest in north Wales with 20 incidents reported compared with one in mid Wales and seven in south Wales.

National campaign

Of the 40 physical assaults, 22 were reported in south Wales, of which 13 were committed on the valleys network.

Twelve were reported in north Wales, five in west Wales and one in mid Wales.

Peter Strachan, managing director of Arriva Trains Wales, said: "This investment is particularly important news in light of this welcome national campaign to raise the profile of the unacceptability of verbal and physical assaults on railway employees.

"We carry millions of people each year without any incidents so by comparison these incidents are rare.

"However, one incident is one too many.

"Ensuring the safety of our customers and employees is central to everything we do and these cameras will complement the installation of closed circuit television cameras previously fitted at many stations across Wales."

CCTV cameras will monitor train interiors

Welsh Minister for Economic Development and Transport, Andrew Davies, said that a �750,000 grant was being made available for security improvements for north Wales stations, as well as the �2m for CCTV on trains.

He said: "This substantial funding for both the installation of CCTV on the entire Arriva Trains Wales fleet and for extra safety and security improvements for North Wales stations, is bound to be reassuring for the travelling public.

"These announcements are further steps towards increasing safety and security on stations, trains and on the network; which shows our continued commitment to excellent partnership with Arriva Trains Wales and the British Transport Police."

Chief Inspector Paul Richards of British Transport Police, added: "These cameras will be a strong deterrent for anyone seeking to commit an offence on board trains.

"It is good to see the rail industry and police joining forces to protect their employees from assault, threats and abuse.

"We will not tolerate verbal or physical attacks on those who become a victim for simply doing their job."