BUDGET airline Ryanair celebrated yesterday as customer numbers flying on its Newcastle to Dublin route reached 50,000.

Liam and Annie Cusack, of Stamfordham, Northumberland, and their son, Alex, were the 50,000th passengers on the service.

To mark the occasion, Ryanair presented them with free tickets and a bottle of champagne.

Mr Cusack, who is originally from Waterford, Ireland, was travelling to visit his brother.

He said: "I am stunned and surprised, nothing like this has ever happened to us before.

"And Alex is really excited by all the fuss."

Mike Luddy, commercial director of Newcastle Airport, said: "The Ryanair service from Newcastle to Dublin has become one of the most successful services in the airport's history.

"I congratulate Ryanair on flying its 50,000th customer and look forward to seeing it reach 100,000 in the not too distant future."