OSCAR-winning film director Lord David Puttnam will visit the region today, to tour work under way on the £98m extension of the Metro system to Sunderland.

Lord Puttnam's visit will include trips to Sunderland's two Metro stations, St Peter's and University, where Nexus's director of major projects, Ken Mackay, and his team will discuss the details of the scheme.

As chancellor of Sunderland University, Lord Puttnam is keen to learn about the benefits the Sunderland Metro link will bring to the university, and its students, when it opens in March next year.

According to Nexus, the Metro system into Sunderland will significantly improve access to the university.

In addition to providing stations next to the main campus areas, the extension will allow quick and easy transfers for students and staff moving between campuses.

Lord Puttnam's visit forms part of a week of official events in the city, which will see him present degrees to university students.