RAIL chiefs are being urged to think again over their decision to sack an award-winning employee with an "outstanding" record.

Desmond Swayne, MP for New Forest West, has written to the head of South West Trains Brian Souter following a public outcry over the dismissal of Lymington stationmaster Ian Faletto.

Mr Faletto claims he was fired for removing a shopping trolley that was dumped on the line and could have caused a derailment.

Campaigners led by a Lymington vicar, the Rev Alex Russell, have launched a petition urging South West Trains to give him his job back.

Mr Swayne said: "I've asked the company to review the case as a matter of urgency.

"I set out Mr Faletto's outstanding record, first at Sway station and then at Lymington. The public perception is that he may have infringed the rules but it was done to protect his passengers.

"What's happened to him is awful. The public's sense of justice is outraged."

South West Trains has refused to discuss claims that Mr Faletto was sacked for removing the trolley from the line.

In a statement it said: "We can confirm that an employee has been dismissed for a serious breach of safety.

“This action was taken following a full and thorough internal investigation and the decision was upheld at an appeal hearing.

"Our absolute priority is to run a safe railway for our passengers and staff."