A NEW version of the 1970s North-East band Lindisfarne is to hit the road.

Ten years after the group's last line-up called it a day, original frontman Ray Jackson has revealed that the band assembled for December’s revival of the band’s legendary Christmas shows will be permanent .

Lindisfarne have now added extra shows to the two sell-outs at Newcastle City Hall and will perform at Middlesbrough, Harrogate and Hull.

Wallsend-born Jackson, who sings and plays mandolin and harmonica, left Lindisfarne in 1991 and became an artist .

He was one of the highlights of the 2005 Hull Story, dedicated to the band’s acclaimed songwriter, Alan Hull, who died in 1995. Joining Jackson in the all-Geordie six-piece will be Alan Hull’s son-in-law Dave Hull-Denholm, singer and guitarist in Lindisfarne’s last incarnation, formed after Hull died.

Other former Lidisfarners Ian Thomson, Steve Daggett and Charlie Harcourt also feature along with former Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson.

Jackson said: “When we first got together earlier this month to rehearse, it was absolutely amazing.

“It felt like the original LIndisfarne, only better. We are all looking forward to the Christmas shows and from 2014, to touring and performing at music festivals here and abroad.

The third Christmas show at Newcastle City Hall will be on December 20. Tickets are available from the box office on 0191-277 8030 from tomorrow (Tuesday May 14).

*Lindisfarne will play Middlesbrough Town Hall on December 15, Harrogate Royal Hall on December 16 and Hull City Hall on December 17. Tickets are also available from tomorrow.

Lindisfarne are best known for songs such as Lady Eleanor, Fog on the Tyne and Run for Home.