School pupils are to be given lessons in railway safety through a series of workshops taking place this week.

Train operator ScotRail Alliance said it is holding a series of events for schools to promote rail safety, including awareness of level crossings.

The move is part of this year's Rail Safety Week, which sees various bodies connected the rail industry working to promote the issue.

ScotRail Alliance community liaison executive Allan James Brooking said: "We're really looking forward to playing our part in making Rail Safety Week a success.

"It's important that young people understand just how dangerous the railway can be.

"That's why we're running several interactive workshops to raise awareness and highlight the risks - particularly at a time when we are electrifying large portions of the Scottish rail network."

During the week, the Scottish Football Association and the British Transport Police (BTP) will also host safety sessions to raise awareness of the dangers of playing near the railway.

BTP Inspector Bryan O'Neill said: "We're looking forward to joining ScotRail next week as we all get involved with Rail Safety Week 2017.

"Throughout the year, officers from BTP regularly visit schools to talk to young people about the dangers of the railway. The railway is a hazardous environment and often we're called to worrying incidents where children have trespassed onto the tracks.

"The workshops will be a fun and interactive way to engage with young people and make sure they know about the risks of the railway."

Rail Safety Week runs from Monday to Sunday October 1.