A RECORD number of passengers are travelling by ferry from a North-East port, figures have shown.

World events and nervousness about air travel have helped DFDS Seaways achieve record growth on its services from the Tyne to Amsterdam and Scandinavia.

Figures released by the cruise ferry operator show an overall increase in passenger numbers on all its routes across the North Sea of 4.6 per cent, and a 13 per cent rise in the number of cars compared with 2001.

But the star performer of the ferry operator's route network remains Newcastle to Amsterdam.

More than half a million passengers travelled on the daily sailings on the largest passenger ship operating in the North Sea last year.

Passenger figures on the route are up 13.6 per cent on 2001, with the number of cars rising by 17.8 per cent to just under 95,000.

This jump reflects the growing number of holidaymakers using Amsterdam as the gateway to Europe rather than making the drive to Dover, according to the operator.

DFDS' twice-weekly Newcastle to Gothenburg and Kristians route also grew in popularity, with a 2.8 per cent increase in passenger numbers.

Managing director John Crummie said: "The last year was not without its challenges, but the combination of the popular routes, the right ships and flexible holiday choices have ensured our success.

"Our routes from Newcastle are fast, comfortable, convenient and good-value ways to access Scandinavia and Europe.

"Somewhat sadly, events outside our control are also having a significant impact. We are taking a high number of bookings from families and groups who would normally fly to reach their holiday destinations, but, given world events, are looking for an alternative."