The body that oversees the specialist rail police force in Britain is to be further strengthened by the appointment of a new deputy chair and five new board members, the Department for Transport has announced.

Mark Phillips, who has been a board member of the British Transport Police Authority since 2013, has been appointed as the new deputy chair. He is also currently Chief Executive Officer at the Rail Safety and Standards Board and has previously worked at Network Rail as Regional Director for Anglia and as Deputy Managing Director for the Greater Anglia franchise.

In addition experienced businessman William Gallagher, chartered accountant Shrinivas Honap, experienced strategist Jeremy Mayhew, retired chief constable Martin Richards and human resources expert Beverley Shears have been appointed as new members of the BTPA Board.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "We are delivering the biggest rail modernisation programme for more than a century to improve services and provide passengers with faster and more comfortable trains. British Transport Police will play a major role in delivering our vision for a growing and sustainable railway. I am confident the newly-refreshed team will provide the strategic direction the force needs to offer even better value to the rail industry and the taxpayer while fighting crime, reducing disruption and keeping the network safe for passengers and rail staff alike."