A PLEA has been issued to Keighley parents to help get the rail safety message across to children.

Trespass incidents on the railway always soar during school holidays.

And with schools now closed due to the coronavirus crisis, Network Rail fears another spike in the figures.

Last year, there were 119 recorded instances of trespass on the railways in the Bradford district – 28 of which involved youths.

Nationally, more than 13,500 trespass incidents occur on the rail network every year – and a quarter involve young people.

Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, said: “The Easter holidays are the start of the peak for railway trespass and with schools now closed for an extended period, I’m really worried that the railway will become an irresistible but catastrophic playground for too many children.

“Each year, we see hundreds of people taking risks on and around the railway, resulting in tragic consequences and life-changing injuries.

“Please talk to your children, access our free school railway safety lessons and help us to help save young people, as we know all too well that that everyone loses when you step on the track.”

To sign-up for free You vs Train railway safety lessons, which are normally broadcast into schools, visit learnliveuk.com/trespass-awareness-week.

Further information about rail safety can be found at youvstrain.co.uk.