A TECHNIQUE pioneered by a North-East university to strengthen crumbling railway bridges could eventually be adopted by countries around the world.

Research at Teesside University has resulted in a new method of reinforcing masonry and brick parapets - reducing the likelihood of another Selby-style rail disaster.

It involves drilling steel and fibre composite strengthening rods into brickwork at precise angles, which helps to absorb the impact of an accident.

The eight-year project, led by Professor Brian Hobbs, came to fruition yesterday when its findings were presented to an international conference at Imperial College, London.

Those involved with the work, including research engineer Peter Newton, were in discussions with international colleagues with the aim of seeing whether the process could be adapted for use abroad.

It has already been backed by Railtrack and received about £500,000 in funding from the Government.

Prof Hobbs said: "Our proposal is to reinforce bridge parapets without altering their appearance. A vehicle hitting an unsuitable bridge parapet can create disastrous results, not only for road users, but also for any trains which may be passing below, and we are confident that this technique is the best available solution."

The research has particular poignancy for the university following the death of psychology professor Steve Baldwin in the Selby crash last year.

He was one of ten people who lost their lives when a Land Rover, driven by Gary Hart, ploughed through safety barriers and on to the East Coast Main Line, causing a two-train collision.

The crash prompted a safety review by the Health and Safety Commission, which looked at locations where railways and roads intersect or run close to each other and identified sites where action was needed.

The Northern Echo has campaigned for urgent repairs to a number of road over rail bridges in the region.

Read more about the Railway bridges campaign here.