CHILDREN gave a Metro train a final polish before it went into service yesterday.

Pupils from South Hylton Primary School, in Sunderland, were joined by officials, including Sunderland City Council's deputy leader, Councillor Bryan Charlton, for the launch, at South Hylton station.

The train, sponsored by the council and The Bridges Shopping Centre, is emblazoned with the council's Nice One Sunderland message and The Bridges' logo.

It is aimed at promoting the new Metro link to Sunderland and encouraging visitors from elsewhere in the region to come to the city.

Market research has found that more than two thirds of those questioned had seen the Nice One Sunderland advert.

Julie Elliott, city marketing manager, said: "Putting this message on the exterior of a Metro train gives us a tremendous opportunity to promote Sunderland throughout Tyne and Wear, while also boosting local pride."

Phil Steele, manager of The Bridges, said: "Currently, more than half a million people per week shop at The Bridges, and we are confident that the new link will bring even more people into the city."