THE second episode of the ITV documentary series about life on the Tyne and Wear Metro is set to air tonight.

The Metro: A Rail Life Story is a four-part series which gives a unique insight into day to day operations on the Metro system as it gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The first episode attracted an impressive 2.6 million viewers, more than the hugely popular reality show TV show Love Island.

Episode two of the Metro documentary will be broadcast on ITV1 at 7.30pm tonight.

It will feature Metro staff managing the crowds on the opening day of the football season when Newcastle United play Arsenal at St James’ Park – a game that drew large fan protests in the city centre.

The UK’s first ever guide horse for blind people will also be seen doing some training on Metro.

Digby, the American miniature horse who can accompany blind people just like a guide dog, takes a trip on the Metro to get him prepared for his new life with a partially sighted person in London.

And in Sunderland Metro staff will be seen managing a crackdown on fare dodging and anti-social behaviour, with father and daughter team Stephen and Lauren Shipley on a shift together at the same time.

Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing the next episode of the ITV documentary, which will give viewers more of an insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes at Metro on a day to day basis.

“The first episode proved popular and pulled down 2.6 million viewers and showed staff managing the day of the Spice Girls concert in Sunderland.

“In episode two there is more of the day to day crowd management and ticket inspections across the network to crackdown on fare evasion.

“Viewers will also the visit we had from Britain’s first ever guide horse as his new owner gets him ready for a new life on London’s transport systems. It certainly catches the eye of our passengers!

“It’s a privilege for us to showcase and share Metro on national television in our wonderful and vibrant region with a wider television audience as we prepare to mark Metro’s 40th anniversary.”