THE Tyne and Wear Metro extension has won a national accolade.

The recently-opened line scooped the title of major project of the year at the National Rail Awards.

Judges praised the project's quality and the way residents were informed of developments.

They said: "The extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro, which has been long awaited, was executed with precision."

The judges were particularly impressed at the success of the track dualling, which allows light Metro trains to operate on the same track as heavy rail passenger and goods trains.

Ken Mackay, director of Metro for the Tyne and Wear Transport Executive, Nexus, was responsible for the line's construction.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won this award, which is well deserved recognition for all the hard work which everyone involved in the project put in to ensure its success.

"The Metro extension is the first in the country where heavy and light rail, as well as freight, operate on the same tracks.

"It is operating well and our new passengers are enjoying the service, as witnessed by the highest Metro customer satisfaction figures ever."