POLICE are urging supporters to plan ahead of next month’s Wear-Tyne derby match.

Dedicated train and Metro services are being put on for travelling Newcastle fans in an attempt to reduce any confrontation ahead of the Easter Sunday game.

Newcastle United are running supporters' coaches from St James' Park directly to the Stadium of Light for a return fare of £4 per person, which can be booked through the club's ticket office, via their website.

Northern Rail will be providing a direct train service specifically for Newcastle fans, leaving Central Station for St Peter's will leave at 3:02pm. The return service will leave Sunderland at 6:42pm.

Metro services will also be available for supporters. These services will only stop at Central Station and St Peter's stations and are for Newcastle supporters only. They will leave at 2:39pm and 2:46pm.

The returns will leave St Peter's station at 6.27pm and 6.35pm and go directly to Central Station.

Sheepfolds North and Sheepfolds Road will both be closed on derby day, therefore police are advising fans that intend on driving to give themselves extra time.

Operations Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: "Acting on feedback from supporters we changed the policing plan for December's game in Newcastle, which gave travelling supporters more options about how to travel to the match.

"There are a range of options for fans to get to the game and the best advice would be to plan ahead and give yourself extra time as it will be a busy Sunday.

"The coaches are the quickest way to get to and from the game. There are direct metro and train services on the day, but these will be busy.

“We would also remind fans that it is an offence to attempt to enter the stadium or board the trains whilst being under the influence of alcohol."

For more information on travel visit www.nexus.org.uk or www.northernrail.org