WOODLAND colours are being taken to the heart of a city on a vividly-painted train.

The Great North Forest train was unveiled at the Newcastle Airport Metro station yesterday by world-renowned TV botanist David Bellamy.

The train, carrying the message, The Great North Forest... growing on your doorstep, promotes the new Tyne and Wear Rural Transport Partnership.

Passengers will be able to read regularly updated information on countryside events and places to visit.

Dr Bellamy has been a long-term supporter of the Great North Forest, and performed the official naming ceremony back in 1990.

Great North Forest community programmes manager Chris Growcott said: "The train represents the start point for a wide range of transport initiatives aimed at enabling greater use of the countryside, and tackling social exclusion.