NORTHERN is introducing a specialist team to patrol trains and stations in Greater Manchester. The 11 new recruits will be employed by Carlisle Support Services and they will be joining 55 Travel Safe Officers who already work on the Northern network.

The additional TSOs will be based at Manchester Victoria and Manchester Oxford Road, from where they will work with British Transport Police to provide advice, support and reassurance to passengers and staff.

Northern regional director Chris Jackson said: ‘We are delighted to be able to welcome more TSOs and introduce a new hub in the city to give Greater Manchester – and surrounding routes – a travel safe team of its own.

‘Northern is absolutely committed to providing its staff and customers with the best possible journey experience and the additional officers will, I am sure, help to achieve this.’

Inspector Adam Swallow of British Transport Police said: ‘The additional visibility, customer service and reassurance will complement the policing teams working around the city centre making for a safe, secure and efficient service. We look forward to closely working with the Travel Safe team.’