ONE of the region's best known railway stations has won a national award for its level of security.

Newcastle Central railway station has won Secure Stations status from the British Transport Police (BTP), the Department for Transport and Crime Concern.

The Secure Stations scheme is a Government-backed initiative aimed at improving personal security at railway stations.

The station, which has undergone a revamp in recent years, has CCTV cameras, improved lighting, a new left luggage facility with security screening, and a high visibility staff presence.

GNER's customer operations director Jim Gilbert said: "Rail travellers should feel safe and secure at all times and this important accreditation is the result of a lot of hard work by GNER staff at Newcastle and our BTP partners. It is a reassuring boost for passengers, railway staff and the city of Newcastle."

Newcastle Central, which is used by more than five million passengers a year, is one of nine GNER-managed stations across the country with a Secure Stations rating.