MEET Tony Brooks and Jeanette Gould, members of a new South West Trains team making life safer for passengers and staff.

They are among the first of 16 newly recruited Rail Community Officers who are working closely in small groups with British Transport Police officers.

The £1.8 million initiative is a first for South West Trains, which pioneered the award-winning TravelSafe officers in 2002.

As successors, the RCOs have passed a tough accreditation course endorsed by the Association of Chief Police Officers, which allows them wider powers.

These include being able to issue BT Police penalty notices for trespass and graffiti, the seizing of alcohol from under-age drinkers, and gathering evidence for possible ASBOs.

During shifts they are tasked by their resident BTP officer.

During a special ceremony at Richmond station, SWT chairman Ian Dobbs and Chief Superintendent Steve Morgan presented the new officers with accreditation certificates and badges.

Mr Dobbs said: “This is a unique concept in the rail industry in this country. It is vital that our passengers and staff feel safe and secure.”

Eventually there will be 40 South West Trains RCOs working at Raynes Park, Richmond, Staines, Guild-ford, Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth.