RAIL operator Northern – which runs services on the Airedale line – has signalled its readiness for an annual 'battle'.

The firm is deploying a range of technology to help keep tracks clear of leaves this autumn.

Water-spraying devices, technology that prevents wheels from locking, and sand-distributing equipment will be in use.

Rob Cummings, for Northern, says: "Whilst it feels like summer has only just arrived, our engineers have had their eyes firmly fixed on autumn for some time.

"Fallen leaves used to cause significant disruption across the network, but having tried a number of methods in recent years and by fine-tuning our approach, we have been able to cut that right down.

"To be 'battle ready' months ahead of schedule is a real testament to the team that has worked so hard to ensure our fleet is prepared for whatever nature throws at it."

Leaf-fall disruption is caused by leaves sticking to damp rails and then being compressed into a smooth, slippery layer, which reduces the trains’ grip.

In 2018, Northern had to take 306 trains out of service for repairs to carriage wheels caused by ‘wheel slide’ on slippery tracks. Last year, the figure had dropped to 14.