A TRANSPORT chief has thanked Cumbrians for helping to keep trains clear for key workers on the first day of the revised timetables.

Yesterday David Hoggarth, Transport for the North’s strategic rail director, said: “All of us know the importance of rail in helping key workers and essential users access the people and places they serve at this critical time.

“Last week we appealed to the public to only use rail travel for essential purposes and people have taken on board the advice.

"This makes it safer for those using and operating the services and it is a clear demonstration of users thinking of others before themselves.

“The measures that are being put in place, coupled with the common-sense and selflessness being of the public should help us all as we re-start our economy.