Record amount from Metro auction

Items left on Metro trains included a wide selection of walking sticks

An auction of property left on the Tyne and Wear Metro system has raised a record-breaking sum for charity.

Hundreds of belongings went under the hammer at Whitley Bay station during the annual event on Thursday.

They included a set of alloy wheels, a sledge, jewellery, three bikes, blinds, clothing, walking sticks, a selection of music players and 134 mobile phones.

The proceeds of £1,850 will be donated to the chairman of North Tyneside Council's chosen charities.

Andy Bairstow, communications director at Nexus, described it as a record-breaking sum.

"We are delighted to have raised so much money even though there's a recession at the moment," he said.

"People certainly don't pass up the chance to get their hands on a bargain, and there were a fair few on offer.

"It's great that all the weird and wonderful items which people leave on our trains every year can be sold off at auction to benefit good causes."