THE final piece of the Sunderland Metro extension will be completed tomorrow with the opening of Park Lane station.

The underground station is below the Park Lane public transport interchange in central Sunderland and on the extension run by Nexus.

It will be open to the public when the first train leaves at 6.48am bound for the terminus station of South Hylton.

Finishing touches have been made to Park Lane by partners in the project, Nexus and Railtrack.

The station features passenger lifts to the concourse area which can accommodate wheelchair users and those with prams.

Lifts are supplemented by an escalator from platform to concourse level.

To help passenger security, a security TV system is in place at Park Lane with 43 cameras.

Nexus director general Mike Parker said: "We're absolutely delighted that the flagship station on the new Sunderland line is now ready to receive its first passengers.

"When people see and use the station, I think they'll agree that it really is a wonderful facility.

"The location, right in the heart of Sunderland City centre, is superb, making it very convenient for work, shopping, leisure and life in general."