A dozen TransPennine Express (TPE) volunteers have helped a Manchester women's employment charity.

The staff spent a day at Smart Works Greater Manchester, a charity that provides free clothing and interview coaching to unemployed women.

The TPE team assisted in tidying wardrobes, sorting stock, and steaming clothes for the charity's clients.

Harriet Harbridge, diversity and inclusion manager at TPE, said: "We want to give back to the communities we serve, and this was an opportunity for us to do that.

"And as part of an industry that is traditionally male dominated, we want to be able to inspire and empower women, no matter their circumstances."

Smart Works Greater Manchester invites successful interviewees back to receive more clothing items to build a capsule wardrobe.

Another staff volunteering day is planned with Smart Works later in the year.

TPE recently joined other rail operators in supporting women returning from career breaks or seeking new opportunities.

In partnership with Women in Rail, the 'Never Mind the Gap' initiative provides training and work placements for women wanting to 'change track' after time away from work.

The initiative addresses the gender pay gap, driven largely by women's career breaks, often due to maternity.

Over a two-week period, TPE, Northern, Network Rail, and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) provided free training to show women how rewarding a career in rail can be.

This initiative aims to inspire more women to join the traditionally male-dominated industry.