OFFICIALS from the Port of Tyne are celebrating the end of a bumper cruise season after welcoming nine ships during the course of the year.

A total of 5,288 cruise passengers visited the port and are estimated to have spent more than £317,000 in the area.

Port of Tyne marketing manager Kerrey Ward said: "This demonstrates the growth in interest in the region and the extensive range of visitor experiences available.

"Passengers and crew members from these cruise liners generate substantial business for traders, coach operators and tourist destinations."

The Ocean Monarch has just completed a series of Baltic cruises from the Port of Tyne and the Saga Pearl visited the port as part of a Best of British Isles break, from which passengers visited Alnwick Castle and gardens, Durham and Hadrian's Wall.

Officials say cruise bookings for next year have already exceeded expectations, with 20 vessels already confirmed as sailing into the port.