DON'T run the risk - that was the message being drummed in to users of Wareham train station yesterday.

As part of a national campaign, Network Rail was dishing out safety advice to the Purbeck public on the dangers of using the station's level crossing.

There have been 20 recorded incidents at the crossing so far this year, including near misses where people have dared to cross the railway line while the lights have been red.

Michael Cavanagh, from Network Rail, said: "Wareham is a busy crossing not just because of the nearby station, but also because the railway line splits the town in two and this is the main way through."

Mr Cavanagh also highlighted the close proximity of Purbeck School and the number of children, of varying ages, who use the crossing each day.

The public were handed leaflets and given advice on the importance of using the crossing correctly throughout the day.

Network Rail says level crossing misuse is the single biggest risk on the railway and developed the "Don't Run the Risk" campaign to highlight the dangers.

Now into its second year, the campaign is this year specifically targeting the groups known to be at highest risk of misusing crossings - 18-24-year-olds and the over-65s.

Iain Coucher, Network Rail's chief executive, said: "Too many people die at level crossings every year.

"Level crossings are safe if used correctly, but misuse them and your chance of surviving being hit by a train is virtually zero."

In recent years, one person a month has lost their life on a level crossing, on average, and males account for 73 per cent of all deaths on crossings.