A train conductor has been praised after assisting a boy in distress.

Paul Singh, who has been with train operator Northern for three years, noticed the troubled teenager while on duty on a train heading to Manchester Piccadilly back in June.

36-year-old Mr Singh sat and talked with the boy for more than half an hour while a family member and British Transport Police officers were contacted.

He then left the teenager with a colleague so he could get back onto the train.

Mr Singh said: "I sat him down and talked to him to find out what was going on.

"I told him my name and said I’ll stay as long as he needs, as he’s my priority.

"I just spoke to him and told him he had his whole life ahead of him.

"I told him about the Samaritans and said he can speak to them at any point for free, get some good support and get the help he needs.

"I’ve got kids myself, so I just spoke to him like he’s my own child and told him about all the help that is available.

"I just wanted to let him know I cared and nothing else mattered at that point.

"I left him with a colleague, got the passengers back to Manchester Piccadilly, before taking a deep breath and mulling it over."

British Transport Police said that officers attended and the boy was taken to a place of safety.

The act of kindness makes Mr Singh one of three Northern conductors recognised for helping customers in June.

Samaritans can be contacted for free, 24/7, 365 days a year, on 116 123, by emailing jo@samaritans.org or by visiting www.samaritans.org.

Chasing the Stigma’s Hub of Hope app, which brings together all the mental health support options available to someone in any given area, is available in app stores.