A West Yorkshire train station is tackling period poverty by offering free sanitary products to all.

Passengers and station users at Leeds train station can pick up pads and tampons from the new vending machines in the female and accessible toilets on the main concourse and on the platforms.

This initiative has been launched by Network Rail as a survey found 10 per cent of girls have been unable to afford sanitary products.

Research shows that sanitary products cost over 128 pounds per year, averaging at 10 pounds per month.

Maxine Joicey, Station Customer Experience Manager for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “This new initiative, combined with other recent accessibility improvements at the station, is a huge move in the right direction.

“We want everyone to feel welcome at Leeds station. That’s why we’re providing free access to period products which we hope will allow our passengers to travel by train or explore the city of Leeds with confidence.”

Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education at Leeds City Council, said: “Period poverty is something no one should have to experience, and we welcome this initiative from Network Rail; it builds on Leeds City Council’s previous work with schools to provide free sanitary products through a variety of locations and provisions.”