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Rail passengers using the country’s biggest and busiest stations will get a helping hand from a new army of volunteers after the success of Network Rail’s ‘travel champions’ initiative during the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Updated plans for a new maintenance centre of excellence in Derby have been re-submitted by Network Rail to accommodate the team required to support the electrification of the Midland Main Line.

Network Rail has appointed Jonathan Crick to join its property division, as commercial director of retail.

Network Rail is inviting a selected list of law firms to tender for a place on its legal panel.

Pedestrians walking towards Bolton-le-Sands level crossing can now do so in safety because Network Rail has built a brand new pavement so they don’t have to walk in the road.

Period 8 of 2012/13: 14 October 2012 - 10 November 2012

Punctuality on the railways reached 88.9% during period 8, according to monthly performance data released today by Network Rail. The data for Britain's train services covers the period from 14 October 2012 - 10 November 2012. This compares to 89.3% for the same period last year. The moving annual average is now at 91.7%.

A host of improvements which are providing a better experience for thousands of passengers at Horsham station every week have been officially unveiled.

Financial highlights of the last six months:

• Revenue was £3,167m compared to £2,997m for the same period last year
• Operating profit was £1,226m compared to £1,227m
• Profit after taxation was £573m compared to £136m
• Capital expenditure – the amount invested in the railway over the period – was £2,064m compared to £2,071m
• Net borrowings were £28,043m compared to £27,200m at 31 March 2012