THE main station in a multi-million pound Metro extension will not be ready in time for its opening.

Work is under way to get the Sunderland Metro extension ready in time for March 31.

But yesterday, Sunderland Direct, the team behind the project, admitted that the key Park Lane Interchange will not open next month.

A spokesman said the construction of the underground station was "by far the largest and most complex element of the extension project".

When work on the Interchange is complete, it will bring together bus and Metro services at the same station.

In the meantime, Metro passengers will have to use the main railway station, in Sunderland's Market Square, or the Sunderland University station, between Durham and Chester Roads.

The spokesman said: "We apologise for any inconvenience the delay may cause for our passengers. However, the safety of passengers using the Metro system is paramount, and to comply with our rigorous safety checks, all work will be completed before the station is opened."

The Queen will launch the Metro extension at Park Lane Interchange as part of her Golden Jubilee visit in May.