£100m port refurbishment complete

The port is now capable of handling 'panamax' class vessels

The final phase in the £100m refurbishment of the Port of Tyne is being unveiled later.

The Duke of Gloucester will officially open the Riverside Quay, which has been extended and deepened to accommodate bigger vessels.

It follows a recent revamp of Northumbrian Quay, allowing the docking of larger cruise liners.

In October, the port will again welcome the luxury liner QE2, following a successful visit last September.

The latest improvements at Riverside Quay means that the port can now handle ships of the "panamax" class - the maximum dimensions that will fit through the locks of the Panama Canal.

The site is also one of only five UK ports capable of handling cruise vessels of up to 335m, and the acknowledged major cruise port in the north east

It is also a major European car terminal.