Trainspotters fight crime...

The enthusiasts - a common sight on Preston railway station - are being targeted by the Railway Forum, a body which represents Railtrack and the country's rail operators, as they look for ways to combat spiralling crime on board trains and platforms.

Officials say the train buffs are just what is needed to help overcome the travelling criminals.

It is hoped they will become the 'eyes and the ears' of the railway network.

According to Dan Hodges, of the Railway Forum, train operators believe customers will feel safer if they know trainspotters are on their side.

Dan says they could become an invaluable ally: "These people know the railway infrastructure inside out and will know when something is wrong.

"We are not looking for vigilantes but people who will report things they see going on.

"Rail enthusiasts carry quite a lot of sophisticated equipment, including camcorders, mobile phones and cameras which could be helpful when police are investigating incidents."

Because of its location, Preston Railway Station plays host to dozens of different rail services, run by several different firms using many different engines and coaches, making it a magnet for the trainspotter.

But Dan believes they can be just as useful on more secluded stations, such as Bamber Bridge and Leyland, where the 'spotters hang out in the hope a rare species may pass by on an unscheduled journey.

Both stations have attracted troublemakers, ranging from idle youths vandalising stations to men committing serious attacks on passengers travelling on late-night services.

He added: "We are winning the fight against crime but we can never have too much help.

"We want them to help with everything, ranging from serious incidents they witness to acts of vandalism which are serious problems."

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said any assistance was invaluable.

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