Trains on track after £1m repairs

Rail engineering staff have been praised after a complex £1m track replacement project was completed in just 52 hours.

Metro trains were withdrawn between Haymarket and South Gosforth in Newcastle on Saturday and Sunday.

But operator Nexus confirmed early morning commuter services were up and running as normal on Monday.

Staff were praised for completing the scheme, despite being hampered by heavy snow falls.

Ken Mackay, director of Metro, said: "We promised we would get the job done before the morning peak, and we have delivered.

Replacement buses

"I want to pay tribute to the hard work of all my staff and contractors - including the maintenance staff, cleaners and drivers who kept Metro running at the weekend under very unusual circumstances."

There was planned disruption to the first three early morning services today, which were replaced by buses south between Regent Centre and Haymarket, but the main morning peak was unaffected by the engineering work.

The track replacement meant Metro was effectively cut in two by the works, with separate services operating north and south of Newcastle, and no trains between South Gosforth and Haymarket.

A replacement bus service was provided throughout the works.