Eaglescliffe station in the Tees Valley has been inspected by the transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin to see how £1.2 million in government funding will help improve the experience of passengers.

The station is used by many people from nearby Stockton-upon-Tees, as it provides important connecting services to the mainline stations of Darlington and Sunderland. Mr McLoughlin is currently on a three-day visit to see how transport systems can help realise the government’s plan for a northern powerhouse.

The improvements to the station include a heated passenger shelter, CCTV, new electronic information screens, a resurfaced ramp and footbridge and a larger car park, all of which are due to be completed by April 2015.

Mr McLoughlin said: “Locally-funded projects like this add to the momentum of this huge investment and help to ensure that even small communities are benefiting. Improvements to Eaglescliffe station will help drive local economic growth by getting people to work, shops and visit local amenities.”