THE long-awaited Metro extension linking Newcastle and Sunderland will start operating tomorrow.

Delayed by vandalism and bad weather, the first working week of the new line will be marred by a one-day strike on Tuesday when about a third of Metro train drivers plan to stay away.

And a row still threatens to ruin the opening of the extension by the Queen on May 7, when train drivers' union Aslef plans another one-day stoppage.

Nexus director general Mike Parker, who has condemned the actions of Aslef, said last night: "From Sunday, the people of Sunderland will enjoy a world-class public transport system thanks to the arrival of the Metro.

"Arguably the biggest thing to hit the city in recent years, the Metro will provide safe, reliable, punctual and affordable transport for shopping, commuting, socialising, and visiting family and friends.

"We will offer four trains an hour, giving people the chance to enjoy Sunderland and the great facilities it has, such as The Bridges, the Stadium of Light and the Winter Gardens."

The £98m project involves 12 new and revamped stations along the extended line: Fellgate, Brockley Whins, East Boldon, Seaburn, Stadium of Light, St Peter's, Sunderland, Park Lane, University, Millfield, Pallion and South Hylton.

The route runs for eight miles along existing track from Pelaw, near Gateshead, to just beyond Sunderland, and then for three miles along the alignment of the former Sunderland to Durham line, between Sunderland Civic Centre and South Hylton.

The extension project is a Public Private Partnership between Railtrack and Metro operator Nexus.

More than 200 Metro trains will serve Sunderland every weekday - running every ten minutes during the day and every 15 minutes after 6.30pm from Monday to Saturday, and every 15 minutes on Sunday.

l Nexus says it will attempt to run a core service on Tuesday using the other two thirds of drivers available.