A Teesside railway station could soon be transformed to take advantage of the rail revival, if a proposed £280,000 improvement scheme is given the go-ahead.

The scheme, at Thornaby station, would provide a new station building with a waiting area for passengers, refreshment facilities and a taxi and travel agent unit.

Up-to-date travel information would be available for passengers, with high-tech displays similar to those at Middlesbrough and Darlington.

It is also hoped a 60-space car park within the existing platform area would encourage people to use of the station for park-and-ride journeys.

Station security would be improved, with the introduction of CCTV cameras, better lighting and secure cycle parking facilities.

Partners Stockton Borough Council, Northern Spirit and the Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit have put forward a £100,000 bid for Rail Passenger Partnership funding.

The council is contributing £140,000 to the scheme, and there will be a contribution by Northern Spirit of £40,000.

The bid is being overseen by the strategy unit, and a decision is expected by mid-September.

If successful, the improvements to the station will be introduced by the end of the financial year.

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton council's cabinet member for regeneration and development, said: "As well as bringing real benefits to regular rail users, the improvements to the station will help to encourage car drivers to use the train as part of their journey. I am confident the bid will be approved for funding."

During 1999/2000, an average of 532 journeys per day were made to and from the station - more than 194,000 per year - and it is expected that the improvements will increase that.

David Bishop, regional director north, at Northern Spirit said: "Thornaby station is an important railhead for the whole of the borough of Stockton. The proposed development, together with the economic regeneration underway in Teesside, will mean the rapid growth in the use of the station.

"Following the introduction of TransPennine Express services direct to York, Leeds and Manchester Airport, the station will continue to be a benefit to both local residents and visitors to the area."

Outline planning permission has already been granted for the scheme