Blackburn, Chorley and Blackpool are among 51 stations across the North of England to install new eco-friendly, cash-free vending machines by Northern.

Train operator, Northern has teamed-up with Decorum Vending to install 79 new vending machines at 51 locations across its network, offering customers a choice of top-quality, well-known brands.

The new vending machines offer a range of products, including low-sugar and healthy alternatives for customers who want to grab a snack ‘on the go’ whilst travelling.

The machines are all cash-free, which helps deter vandalism and means customers can purchase items contactless via their bank card or smart phone.

Northern’s decision to partner with Decorum was led by the vending operator’s commitment to sustainability.

Their vending machines operate using low energy technology, they use considered waste disposal and they are soon to introduce a hybrid fleet of maintenance vehicles.

Read more: Nature reserve at former quarry is transformed

Read more: Blackburn IMO charity to receive funds from GambleAware

New machines will be located at Blackburn, Chorley, Blackpool and 48 other stations in the North and they have already been well received by customers, with the units at Manchester Victoria and Manchester Oxford Road stations some of the highest grossing machines in operation by Decorum on the UK rail network.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern, said: “We have worked closely with Decorum to offer our customers the optimum mix of products to suit all tastes.

“These new machines form an important part of our work to improve the customer experience for our passengers.

“The income Northern receives from the sale of products in these machines is reinvested into our on-going programme of improvement works across trains and stations.”

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.