A HUGE train refurbishment programme is creating jobs and boosting the economy in the north of England.

Arriva Rail North (Northern) is refurbishing 268 trains to a modern standard as part of a modernisation programme worth almost £100m.

The programme, which is being conducted at eight train maintenance depots across the country, has supported 180 existing jobs and led to the creation of 105 new jobs.

The skilled jobs cover all elements of the rebuild programme and include electricians, bodywork engineers, computer programmers, commercial painters, textile specialists, mechanics, maintenance crews and project managers.

Each refurbished train requires the skills of around 20 different specialists.

Ben Ackroyd, engineering director for Northern, said: “Northern operates a large, varied fleet and, as well as introducing brand new trains, we are working to refurbish and renew around 300 trains to a modern standard.

“The refurbishment programme is significant and complex and requires the support and expertise of specialist suppliers.

“We are pleased that the £100m investment has supported and created hundreds of jobs and injected millions of pounds into the northern economy."

Northern is set to be nationalised from March 1.