Mobility scooter users can now explore more of the north by rail thanks to a new scheme.

Scooter users will be able to travel to and from more than 100 stations across the Northern network as a new accessibility scheme is introduced.

After a successful trial, a new scooter permit scheme has been rolled out across more than 21 routes and at a total of 140 stations along the network. Passengers can apply for a permit and their scooter will be assessed to ensure they are safe to be carried on board.

Each user will be given a personalised sticker that will be easily identified and be placed on the pre-assessed vehicle. This will be accompanied by a card that can be carried by customers if they use scooters that do not have a suitable place to display the sticker.

Robert Talbot, from the Lakes Line Rail User Group, said: "Anything that gives improved accessibility to mobility scooters has to be excellent news.

"I know a few mobility scooter users were anxious about getting on trains due to them not allowing a certain size but I think this scheme will really improve accessiblity. Although this is great progress, we still need to improve accessibility within stations. Staveley for example has dozens of steps with no disabled access. It's been a plan for decades to try and improve that."

Maxine Myers, Accessibility Improvement Manager, at Northern said: “More than 21 routes across our network are now scooter friendly - and more will be rolled out in the near future as we continue to make our trains and stations as accessible as possible for our passengers.

“We have been working with members of the Northern Trains Accessibility User Group to create a phased introduction of routes and stations where Northern can accommodate scooter users."

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern said: “We are committed to giving people with additional mobility needs the confidence to travel by rail. The mobility scooter scheme is an example of this commitment and we’ll be looking to deliver improved accessibility across our network as we roll out similar improvements at other stations in the future.”