Residents living close to a busy rail line have successfully campaigned to stop train drivers sounding their horns unnecessarily.

The problem began in May when Network Rail put up a new whistle board instructing drivers to sound a warning to alert anyone using a footpath crossing the line between Pannal Cricket Club and Buttersyke Bar on the Harrogate to Leeds line.

The noise led to a series of complaints from local residents who were being disturbed late at night and early in the morning.

Now drivers working for Arriva Trains have been told to stop sounding their horns unnecessarily as they approach and stop at Pannal.

The campaign was led by Fred Willis, who represents Pannal on Harrogate Council, and who arranged a meeting between residents and Network Rail.

Following the meeting Arriva Trains has instructed their drivers not to sound their horns unnecessarily on the 33 trains that stop at Pannal station each day.

Non-stop trains - including the only service to King's Cross in London - must continue to use their horns because they travel through Pannal at high speed.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said drivers were initially asked to sound their horns as a safety issue.

She added: ''New instructions have been issued. Trains that stop in Pannal are travelling slow and are able to see any danger and don't need to sound their horn.

''There are a couple of GNER services that use the route, they travel at speed and because of safety reasons will still use their horns.''

Mr Willis, who hopes peace will now return to the village, said: "It was the train that sounded reveille at 6.15am that was particularly annoying. It was definitely a bit too early for most people to want to get up.''