A £62,000 grant has been given to help vulnerable children at risk thanks to the East Lancashire Freemasons.

More than 400 vulnerable children found at risk across the railways in the North West could be helped after a large grant was given to a charity, the Railway Children.

Robert Frankl from the East Lancashire Freemasons said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Railway Children with their hugely important project to support vulnerable children at risk across the region’s railways.

“By stepping in to help children and their families at the earliest possible stage, the charity offers the best chance of a successful outcome.”

Railway Children and British Transport Police partner to help children at risk across Northwest rail stations.

The charity provides one-to-one sessions with a project worker, sometimes working alongside schools and social workers, as well as providing information and advice for their families.

UK programme director at Railway Children, Jacqui Highfield, said: “We’re very grateful to East Lancashire Freemasons for their generous grant which will allow us to help hundreds of children and young people who are vulnerable and alone across the UK rail network.

“Feedback from young people, parents and carers is that the regularity of contact and the time spent building relationships are crucial factors in helping young people find solutions to their problems and look forward to a brighter future.”

Last year, working with British Transport Police, Railway Children supported 587 vulnerable young people and their families.

Interventions ranged from providing essential information to ensuring long-term one-to-one support for as long as a young person needed.

As a result, 86 per cent of children reported improved wellbeing, 77 per cent experienced improved personal safety and 86 per cent benefitted from better family relationships.