The transport secretary has welcomed rail investment in the form of two new train stations to the west Yorkshire economy.

Patrick McLoughlin - transport secretary - confirmed the government's conviction to modernise rail transport in the north, during a visit to the region.

One of the two new stations to have been funded by the government and the west Yorkshire Combined Authority was Kirkstall Forge, which is set to open in 2016.

Prior to this, the funding partnership hopes to have the other station at Apperley Bridge ready for use this month.

So far the government has spent £9.5 million of the £13 million it had marked for transport projects in the north. Mr McLoughlin has said that opening "these two new stations has provided economic security to thousands of people" as the stations have created jobs for people in the area and will continue to do so.

He added that not only are these stations helpful for passengers, but they also afford "a massive opportunity for the regional economy".