MULTI-MILLION pound plans to improve facilities at train stations have been welcomed by disabled passengers.

Orpington station is one of 47 stations across the country to benefit from a £350m cash boost, announced by the Government last week.

Network Rail is due to inspect all the selected stations before deciding which improvements will most benefit disabled passengers.

Jean Pacey, of Plantation Drive, Orpington, says she is "very pleased" with the news, after calling for improved disabled access for more than a year.

The disabled 73-year-old had been forced to abandon her wheelchair and climb stairs out of the station numerous times after her train repeatedly arrived on the wrong platform.

The grandmother-of-four, who suffers from kidney failure, travels from Orpington to London Bridge three times a week for dialysis.

Mrs Pacey described her experiences at the station as "agonising", adding she was often left exhausted and in tears.

She said: "The porters and management are very good, as long as you let them know you need help.

"If the station had a lift we wouldn't have to bother them and it would help a lot of people. Not just disabled people but people with prams and lots of luggage too.

"I am very pleased about the news and I'm sure it will make life a lot more bearable for many people."

Robert Dawson, a disabled father-of-five, says news of the works is "terrific".

Mr Dawson, 61, of Southwood Close, Bickley, has to use a scooter after he was diagnosed with arthritis in his legs and trapped nerves in his neck.

He said: "It is terrific news.

"I tend not to use trains so much due to the lack of disabled facilities, but I will certainly be using them a lot more if things change.

"The staff are very helpful and do as much as they can but a lift or a crossing would be ideal."

Further details of how the money will be spent will be announced by the Department for Transport, once Network Rail has completed its assessments of the stations.

The improvements are expected to be implemented within three years.