A COUNTY councillor has welcomed the impending start of work to upgrade a Tyne Valley railway station.

Work is set to begin on major renovation work to Prudhoe railway station that will take several months to complete.

Refurbishment work is due to start on June 8, from which point the footbridge at the station will be closed to the public.

Network Rail said it aimed to carry out work through the day until June 16, when overnight work would take place to lift the bridge out in sections until June 20.

Work will then take place offsite between June 21 and August 8.

Coun. Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said: "I am delighted with the planned major investment in the Prudhoe station.

"Not only will it benefit the local passengers but also support our plans for improving the tourism offer for the whole area."

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "As we will be using a variety of equipment including cranes, construction plant and various power tools and equipment we are writing to residents living close to the station to provide advance notice of the work so they are aware of it.

"This will also confirm that the work is being delivered in accordance with the UK Government and NHS advice relating to COVID-19."

It follows work to extend the station's platforms last year.