NETWORK Rail’s ‘leaf-busting’ trains have started blasting leaves off the line to help keep passengers and freight moving.

Until 13 December, eight specialist trains will wash leaf debris from a total of 95,000 miles of track across the North West while trees are shedding their leaves.

The total miles treated over this time will be equivalent to going 3.81 times around the equator.

After the tracks have been cleared the machines then apply rails with a glue-like coating to help passenger and freight train wheels grip the tracks.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “Leaves on the line are a big problem for the railway. It disrupts services and inconveniences passengers and every year, Network Rail and train operators work together to battle against the elements to get passengers and freight to their destinations.”

Critical supplies are moved across the north of England, including in Cumbria, Network Rail said.