RAIL operator Northern – which runs services on the Airedale line – is offering funding to community organisations for schemes that improve accessibility to the network.

The initiative aims to provide more opportunities for older and disabled people in communities along the company's routes.

One project will receive £100,000, with awards of £50,000 and up to £10,000 for other successful applicants.

Mark Powles, for Northern, says: "We are dedicated to making our services accessible to everyone and to playing a role in improving the communities along our network. We want to hear suggestions for how we can continue to do this.

"Our Accessibility Innovation Scheme will consider a wide range of proposals involving our trains and stations and will have a positive impact for the north."

This is the second year of the venture, which is overseen by the Northern Accessibility User Group.

A number of projects have been delivered during the past 12 months, ranging from signage improvements at stations to 'virtual' tours.

Applications in the latest round are being considered on a rolling basis until December 18, with judging taking place early in the new year.

For further information about the scheme and to apply, go to northernrailway.force.com/s/article/Accessibility-fund.