A train service provider has announced it will be boosting its services in preparation for the Tall Ships event later this week.

Northern Trains has boosted its services between Darlington and Hartlepool ahead of the Tall Ships event taking place between Thursday (July 6) and Sunday (July 9).

It will be running 12 more shuttle services a day between Darlington and Hartlepool over the weekend while adding more carriages to existing services.

The shuttles will run from 9am to 12pm and then from 5pm until the end of service. 

Read more: Tall Ships Hartlepool: How much parking will cost at event

Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern Trains, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer these extra services and to be able to support Tall Ships Races 2023.  

“Services may be busy but we are asking our customers to plan their journey ahead of time.” 

The event is expected to see 37 vessels are expected to sail into Hartlepool.

Among them will be 13 of the biggest Class A ships, with around 1,500 crew and 1,000 sailing trainees on board. 

For those travelling by personal vehicle, Hartlepool Borough Council (HBC) have released parking prices and instructions for the Tall Ships event taking place from Thursday (July 6) through to Sunday (July 9).

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Prices for cars and vans will come in at £10 per day, £10 per day for Blue Badge, £5 for motorbikes, and £25 for coaches.

Those looking to attend can now pre-book their parking space in preparation for the event.

Visitors can expect four days of music, performances, and fun for the family, capped off by the Tall Ships races on Saturday (July 8).

Those looking to book a spot will need to visit Hartlepool Borough Council's website and have their vehicle details and payment information prepared.

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Parking will be available between 9am to 12am from Thursday to Saturday, while it will be available from 6am to 6pm.

There will be car parking within walking distance of the site, with many different car parks available.

There will also be multiple buses servicing the area each hour, while park-and-ride buses for disabled access will also be available.

A full timetable for Northern Trains services can be found here.