Passengers in the north-east of England are to be given greater control over their local rail services, the government has announced.

Transport minister Baroness Kramer has designated the Tyne Valley Line as a community rail service, which will make it more responsive to the needs of locals.

It is expected that, as a result of this change, passenger numbers will rise, connectivity to key destinations will be improved and the local economy will receive a significant boost.

Northern Rail is to continue operating services on the Tyne Valley Line with the support of the community rail partnership.

Funded by Northumberland County Council and the train operating companies, the partnership will work with community groups and other volunteers to decide how services should be run.

Dr Gareth Evans, of the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership, said: "Official designation will give our line the formal recognition I sincerely believe it deserves, and provides the partnership with new opportunities to help us attract more people on to the services."