A lifesaving campaign has been launches as new figures reveal one teenager risks their life on railway tracks every four hours.

A survey has found one in 10 teenagers admit to walking on Britain’s railway tracks.

The research was commissioned to mark the launch of a safety campaign by the rail industry and British Transport Police (BTP).

The You vs Train initiative comes after three graffiti artists died after being hit by a train near Loughborough Junction station in south London.

Seven children have been killed and a further 48 have received life-changing injuries on the railway in the past 12 months.

Some 15 per cent think it is safe to walk on the railway if you check a timetable first, while 17 per cent believe it is safe to retrieve an item dropped on the tracks if you leave straight away.

Trespass data from the Rail Safety and Standards Board shows the number of young risk-takers on the railway doubles during the summer holidays.

For more information visit http://www.youvstrain.co.uk/

Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, said: "Hundreds of people each year unintentionally take on the railway and lose.

"This year we have already seen a record number of young people losing their life or being injured on the track.

"Parents, please help us keep your children safe by educating them about what they take on when they step on the track."

You vs Train targets teenagers to make them face the serious and devastating consequences for them and their loved ones when they make the potentially life-changing decision to ignore warnings and go onto the railway, with its obvious and hidden dangers.

A short film is being launched across social media and shown in cinemas throughout the summer.

It aims to show young people that bad decisions don’t just affect them, but they will have a deep and lasting impact on their families and friends as well.

The rail industry is also working together to roll out a new schools engagement programme, where community engagement managers from across Network Rail, British Transport Police (BTP) and train operating companies will be out teaching thousands of children about railway safety.

BTP officers will also be stepping-up patrols across the country.