CENTRAL Trains said this week that claims that a train driver crossed a red light were based on a misunderstanding.

Malvern commuter Haydn Edwards told last week how a trainful of passengers heard a voice over the intercom saying that a signal was red but he was crossing his fingers and going on.

The alleged incident happened at the signalbox just north of Worcester Foregate Street on Tuesday, October 18.

A Central spokesman said this week that an investigation had shown the train had not gone through a red signal.

He said: "We have looked at voice and data tapes which record what goes on in signalboxes and between signalboxes and trains, and the train did not go through a red light.

"What we did find was there was a message at this time from a train further down the line, where the driver said he had a red light, meaning on the dashboard to indicate a mechanical problem, and was keeping his fingers crossed.

"This must have been picked up by the train Mr Edwards was on."

He said drivers were being urged to check that the intercom was off except for legitimate announcements.

"In the current climate, it is not surprising people would be worried by something like this, but there was nothing to worry about," he said.