Passengers using Huddersfield station have better access and facilities after improvements were completed by Network Rail and First TransPennine Express.

Network Rail has installed two new lifts to provide step-free access links between the subway and platforms. They will also have CCTV and telephone links. A new flight of stairs to platform one has also been completed.

Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said: "I warmly welcome this announcement. Access to rail travel is hugely important for people right across the country. The work completed today was funded by the government's Access for All programme and will be a big help to the disabled, the elderly, parents with pushchairs and people carrying heavy bags."

Warrick Dent, area general manager for Network Rail, said: "These new facilities are making using the station much easier for all passengers. This important funding has made it possible for us to carry out these improvements that will make the railway open to more and more people."

Vernon Barker, managing director at First TransPennine Express, added: "Easy access to the station and between platforms is vitally important for all passengers and these new lifts will be a major improvement, providing a much easier start and finish to thousands of journeys every year."

Further improvement works are being carried out to the booking hall and waiting area. These are being funded by the Railway Heritage Trust, Metro, Kirklees council and the National Station's Improvement Programme (NSIP) and are due to be complete later this year.

"Huddersfield is one of West Yorkshire's busiest rail stations," said Metro Chairman Cllr Chris Greaves, "and with step-free access to all the platforms it will become much easier for passengers to move around.

Now that this first phase is complete, Metro and its partners can move forward with the work around the booking office and deliver a station Huddersfield train users can be proud of."