RAIL passengers were literally packing a punch with their complaints today when Friends of the Earth hung up a punch bag at York Station.

The environmental pressure group was launching its national Stop The Second Great Train Robbery campaign.

It wants to highlight what it describes as "chronic mismanagement and underfunding" of the rail system - and also let disgruntled passengers take out their frustrations.

Kingslee Wilshire was on his way to York from Huddersfield.

He said: "It has made me feel a bit better, the Huddersfield to York line does get quite congested. My dad was a boxer as well, which has brought back a few memories for me."

Another passenger, who asked not to be named said: "I'm frustrated today, I could punch anyone, but I'll make do with the bag." Friends of the Earth was also urging people to text Chancellor Gordon Brown with their rail complaints. Spokesman Richard Dyer said: "We have had a really good reception. The cornerstone of the campaign is the amount of anger passengers are feeling about the state of the railways. We would like to see increases in funding and a new management system."

You can text the Chancellor on 07764 125125.

Updated: 11:25 Monday, April 15, 2002