A RAIL station car park has received an accolade for its safe and secure environment.

Thornaby Railway Station received the Park Mark Safer Parking Award from Stockton South MP Dari Taylor MP.

The award is in recognition of parking facilities that have measures in place to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

Each facility must meet the standards of the Safer Parking Scheme as assessed by the police.

Mrs Taylor said: "The number of people using public transport will only increase - especially women and young children - if we can provide a safe environment.

"This award tells everyone that Thornaby is a modern station in a safe and non-threatening environment.

"It has little or no crime; carefully-monitored CCTV and is well lit."

Receiving the award on behalf of TransPennine Express (TPE), Barbara Hollman, head of stations, said: "Our passengers tell us that safety and security is an important factor.

"This recognises our determination to ensure that station car parks are well-managed, safe and secure."

The car park is managed on behalf of TransPennine Express by National Car Parks.

Director of security, Gordon McLardy, said: "We have achieved Park Mark awards at Thornaby and 15 other TransPennine Express stations within the first year of our partnership with TPE.

"We are working closely with TransPennine Express to deliver further improvements for our customers."