The Department for Transport has announced investment for new stations on the Leeds-Bradford line, designed to improve transport links and support a major regeneration scheme.

Some £9.5 million of government money is being provided to contribute to the £16 million Leeds rail growth scheme. 

One of the new stations is to support the development of the Kirkstall Forge site, which is set to include around 1,000 new homes and extensive commercial buildings. A new station at Apperley Bridge will include a park and ride site to serve both Leeds and Bradford.

An estimated 300 jobs will be supported during the construction phase of the project, which will boost the local economy by creating around 1,800 jobs directly linked to the development and 300 more in the wider area.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "These stations represent a major regeneration project for West Yorkshire and provide new transport links for the wider community. They will unlock growth and help create many hundreds of new jobs."