MORE than 1,000 lives were saved on railway lines in the Wessex region over the past five years, Network Rail have said. 

There were 1,077 interventions made at stations across Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, Somerset and Devon that feed into London Waterloo. 

The interventions were made through a partnership by Network Rail, Samaritans and British Transport Police which aims to provide specialist training for rail staff. 

It also raises public awareness about suicide prevention and teaches them the best ways to approach vulnerable people and the signs to look out for to see if someone needs help. 

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s southern region managing director, said: “I’m proud of all our staff who have been trained in suicide prevention techniques through the Samaritans and have taken their learning and used it to support those going through times of distress.  

“We really care for people who use our railway and we've intervened across our network many times.  

“I would encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental health, or knows someone in need of support, to speak to a friend, family member or trusted colleague, or contact the Samaritans for help and advice.”