A BADLY damaged fence next to the East Coast Main Line - only metres away from where two boys were hit by a train after trespassing on to the tracks - will be repaired after a campaign by residents.

The fence, which runs next to the line in the Kingsway area of Darlington, has been broken for several months, prompting concerns about safety.

The Northern Echo's No Messin' campaign highlighted the dangers of railways, after the deaths of Darlington teenagers Stuart Adams, 15, and Lee Mullis, 14, when they were struck by a train on Good Friday.

The broken fencing is less than a quarter of a mile from the scene of the tragedy, at Five Arches bridge.

Network Rail will now replace a section of metal fence - 12 metres long by 1.2 metres high - next week, and a local resident has volunteered to ensure the site remains in good condition.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for transport and highways, praised the efforts of the residents and The Northern Echo campaign.

"As a result of the Echo's campaign, there has been a renewed effort by Network Rail and the borough council to deal with the problem of bored young people risking their lives on the line," he said.

Councillor David Lyonette, who represents the area, said: "The fencing in the Kingsway area is badly-broken, and there is evidence of people having climbed on to the embankment by the line.

"We are really pleased that Network Rail has acted promptly. This should help keep young people safe and away from danger."