PORT operator PD Teesport said that more than 700,000 lorry miles have been taken off the road since the introduction of its rail transport service.

Speaking on the anniversary of the introduction, the firm said the service allowed customers to move containers on a daily basis from Teesport into the North-West conurbation.

The rail connection was initiated by PD Teesport and bulk container operator UBC, the leading bulk container operator.

It was established last year by PD Teesport and bulk container operator UBC as a multi-user service and the rail connection runs from Teesport to Trafford Park in Manchester.