WORK has begun to extend the platforms at Prudhoe railway station.

Network Rail and Northern started the work on Saturday as part of the Great North Rail Project.

The project is delivering a multi-billion-pound package of improvements for customers across the north of England, and includes extending platforms along the Tyne Valley line at Riding Mill, Bardon Mill and Prudhoe, to accommodate newer longer trains which will call at the stations.

Anna Weeks, regional director at Northern, said: “The work at Prudhoe is a vital part of several projects improving the journey experience for our customers, both at stations and on trains”

“We are already increasing the number of services between Newcastle and Carlisle and want to be able to run longer trains to give more people the opportunity to explore all that route has to offer and provide additional capacity for those who commute along the line.”

Rob McIntosh, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “The Great North Rail Project is bringing tangible benefits to passengers. The platform extension will ensure we can continue to provide a railway which meets the needs of the communities and economies we serve in years to come. We look forward to passengers reaping the benefits of more spacious, more frequent and longer trains which will provide more people with opportunities to travel.

“We thank passengers and those living near the railway for their patience whilst we undertake this vital upgrade at Prudhoe station.”

The work is due to be completed on Wednesday, April 24.