VILLAGERS are to step up their campaign for more trains to serve their community.

People living in Middleton St George, near Darlington, want Arriva to increase the number of stops its trains make along the route from Darlington to Middlesbrough.

Councillor Doris Jones, the Mayor of Darlington, said: "It is crazy - we are quite frustrated with Arriva."

More than 500 people living in Middleton St George have signed a petition asking the company to enhance services to the area.

The Community Partnership in the village has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair and Arriva's management.

The company says that if trains stop at Dinsdale Station it will cause delays to the service, disrupting Darlington passengers.

The treasurer of the Middleton St George Community Partnership, Alan Moon, said Arriva placed greater importance on Darlington passengers than those in outlying areas.

"We are a bit miffed about that," he said.

Mr Moon asked Arriva to send representatives to a meeting to discuss the matter, but said the company had declined the invitation.

He believes that nothing has changed, despite the Community Partnership's effort and the involvement of Mr Blair.

But Arriva said the Darlington-to-Saltburn service called at Dinsdale every two hours, with increased frequency at peak times.

Regional director Peter Limbert said: "I do understand that the people of Middleton St George would appreciate additional services to call at Dinsdale."

But he said the number and frequency of services was determined by the Strategic Rail Authority.