The mayor of Ballymoney expressed sympathy to the train driver who narrowly missed hitting three children who were playing on the track, the Ballymoney Chronicle has reported.

The Translink driver had to slam on the brakes when he saw the children on the track at Seymour Street in the town on Sunday evening.

The driver made the children board the train and contacted police, who met them at Ballymoney station.

The town's mayor, Evelyne Robinson said, "My thoughts go to the driver of the train who must have had a shattering experience when he saw children on the track. We all should be most grateful to the driver for the accuracy with which he guided the train and trust that he will not have any lingering side effects.

"It is, perhaps, difficult for older, wiser heads to understand the lure of what we must consider decisive danger, but to young people excitement and challenge hold potent promise.

"The parents of the children involved in this incident are no doubt thankful that they are all safe and well."

Frank Moore of Translink said that testing goes on day and night and the new fleet is quieter and faster than older trains.

He said: "We would ask parents to remind children and young people to stay off the tracks this summer."

Translink will pay out up to £1,000 to any member of the public who witnesses vandalism or assault against a member of staff and is prepared to give evidence in court, resulting in a conviction.

(NE)