Network Rail has today announced the appointment of Rob Brighouse as a non-executive director.

Mr Brighouse has 40 years’ experience in the rail industry and is currently managing director of Chiltern Railways, which runs passenger services between London and the West Midlands and is one of Britain’s best performing operators in terms of punctuality and passenger satisfaction.

Thousands of Brits will be taking to two wheels as the summer holidays begin this week, inspired by the Tour de France - and with many cycle paths meeting railway level crossings, Network Rail is issuing a timely reminder to cyclists to take extra care as they bike through the countryside.  Its new safety campaign is backed by Sustrans, the charity behind the creation and management of the 14,000-mile National Cycle Network.

The important role played by women and the railway during World War I is told in an exhibition which can be seen by visitors to London this summer.

Two bridges are to be rebuilt as part of the electrification of the railway between Manchester and Stalybridge.

The huge machine which will build the new 270m railway tunnel at Farnworth has been officially named ‘Fillie’.

Work to upgrade the line between Clitheroe and Manchester starts this weekend and passengers are being urged to check before they travel and plan their journeys.

Sir Peter Hendy CBE joins Network Rail today as chairman.

Commenting on his arrival, Mark Carne, Network Rail chief executive, said: "I would like to give a warm welcome to Sir Peter Hendy as Network Rail’s new chairman.  I have already had the pleasure of working closely with Sir Peter in his previous role on many occasions in the last year, and I know that his immense experience will be a huge asset to the Board, to me and to the company."

A new rail siding is helping spare road and noise disruption for people living near a £250m scheme to upgrade the railway at Stafford.