THE mother of a man who was killed at a level crossing is championing a campaign highlighting the risks of excessive drinking near the railway.

Jeanette Compton tragically lost her son Tommy Ramshaw after he jumped over the barriers at Shoreham station in the early hours of February 27.

Now Mrs Compton is helping to launch the Keep a Clear Head campaign warning of the risks of excessive drinking on or near the railway.

She said: “He was just out enjoying himself just like any other Friday and I never ever expected for him not to come home. He made a stupid decision that night to cross through the railway barriers when they were down.

“I remember sitting in the visitors’ room at the hospital and the police came...They just said ‘he's gone’.

“I don't want anybody to go through this. Don't get complacent and don't think because you have an older child that they will do the right thing. If you do live near the railway crossing, just don't take a chance.”

Tommy was on his way back from the pub after drinking with friends, when he was tragically struck by a train at the level crossing two minutes away from his house.

Mrs Compton explained: “He waited at the level crossings and he waited there for four minutes, then decided to go through the barrier.

“It looked like a clear track, then all of a sudden the train was there and he was killed. He was one step away from being in the clear it was so quick.”

Network Rail has reported a 25 per cent increase in alcohol related incidents across the rail network in December, compared to the beginning of the year. Over the last ten years 25 people have been killed due to alcohol related incidents and a further 82 people seriously injured.

The Keep a Clear Head campaign is joint effort by British Transport Police, Network Rail and Rail Standards Safety Board (RSSB).

Inspector Becky Warren from British Transport Police said: “Our priority is to make sure everyone gets to their destination safely and securely. We want everyone to have fun over the festive season, but it is also important to remember that the railway can be a hazardous place. After a few drinks people aren’t always thinking with a clear head and can take more risks.

“While we understand it can be frustrating waiting for long periods of time, it is vital that people do not use crossings when the barriers are down or the lights are flashing. It is not worth risking your life just to save a few minutes on your journey. We are asking you to keep a clear head. Think about what you would do and how you would behave if you were sober.”