A TRAIN operator has said it's doing all it can to stop "leaves on the line" disrupting services this autumn.

Northern says it's employing specialist teams and new technology, in partnership with Network Rail, to keep customer’s moving when the leaves fall in November.

This year 179 track gel applicators have been positioned across the region's rail network which sprays sand-like gel onto the rails to help provide extra grip for train wheels.

Rob Cummings, seasonal performance improvement manager, said: “Falling leaves can cause significant disruption to the network.

"Leaves stick to damp rails and passing trains compress them into a smooth, slippery layer, reducing trains’ grip.

“We have also introduced special timetables on problematic routes and our drivers also have advanced training to help develop techniques which further reduce the impact of slippery rails.”