POLICE "spies" are to monitor railway tracks across Bolton in a bid to stamp out incidents of trespass by children.

Officers will ride on trains during the school half-term holiday looking for youngsters straying on the lines.

They will report trespassers to mobile crews following the train routes by car. A police squad will be at the scene within minutes to swoop on offenders.

Danny Snee, chief inspector of British Transport Police, said there would be a "get tough" policy, especially for older children.

He added: "They should understand that if they ignore the warnings and go on to commit offences they will face prosecution."

During school holidays, children often head for railways lines and use them as a playground.

This year, train bosses and police are sending out a strong warning for youngsters to stay away.

They fear an influx of youngsters will dice with death. Rail chiefs at Arriva Trains Northern have joined the fight to stop the problem before it happens.

Commercial director Dyan Crowther said: "Some children might think that it could be exciting to fool around near railway lines but the reality is that it is incredibly dangerous."

Arriva Trains Northern, which runs services through the North-west to Liverpool and Yorkshire, is working with British Transport Police and Network Rail to reduce trespassing and vandalism.

Anyone who witnesses trespassing on the rail network should call 0800 405 040. All calls are treated in confidence.