Southeastern has apologised after one of its signs urged passengers to "jump" at a railway station.

The train firm's whiteboard at Canterbury East is one of hundreds across the country often used to display motivational and amusing messages to rail users as they go about their journeys.

But yesterday, one passenger was horrified to come across a handwritten message - within the vicinity of railway tracks - telling passengers to "jump", even "when it feels scary".

The board read: "When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you end up staying in the same place your entire life."

Twitter user Scott Baker, from Herne Bay, has branded the sign "inappropriate".

He tweeted Southeastern: "Is it just me or is this not slightly inappropriate to have at your station at Canterbury East?

"I just tried to raise it with one of your staff but didn’t seem bothered.

"If someone is thinking about jumping I’m not sure this is a wise board."

The rail firm has now apologised for the message, which it called "deeply inappropriate".

A spokesman said: "The whole railway takes the issue of suicide prevention very seriously indeed, and Southeastern works closely in partnership with Samaritans and Network Rail to support people with expert-led training of staff, and through strong campaigns that highlight the importance of talking when people are going through hard times.

“Clearly, this message was deeply inappropriate, especially considering it was at a station.

"It should never have been placed on the station’s information board. We are very sorry for any offence caused.”

Network Rail says 237 people died by suicide or suspected suicide on railway tracks nationally between 2016 and 2017 alone.

If you need help on an emotional issue you can call the Samaritans free, at any time, on 116 123.

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