THESE images of young people dicing with death on the railway line have brought an emotional plea from a mother.

Dawn Dormer, whose son Joe, 14, died on the line near Canterbury East station, has just lost her claim for damages against Railtrack, Canterbury High School and its governors for negligence.

After seeing these pictures she said: “Basically it is about ending up in a coffin. The reality is that my son was left severely burnt and in pieces, being so badly damaged that I was unable to kiss and hug him goodbye.

“And I am afraid that is the stark reality of what can happen by venturing onto the railway. The devastation left behind is unimaginable. The railway holds both a curiosity and danger for the young, which they must be educated about and protected from.”

British Transport Police say they regularly patrol the area and successfully prosecuted someone as recently as last month for playing on the line at Canterbury East.

The pictures, which clearly show one youth waving at the camera, were caught by David Orchard who lives in the Station House at Adisham.

He says young people have been on the line there almost every day this week, which he has reported to the British Transport Police.

Mr Orchard, 43, said: “When these pictures were taken at about 1.30pm on Sunday there were other people on the station who just didn’t say a word to them. Some actually play on the line and others are just too lazy to walk to the bridge and cross the track.”

Joe Dormer died on the railway line in 1999 when he was playing truant from Canterbury High School. Despite losing her damages claim, Mrs Dormer said she feels peace at last.