Thousands of people are expected to flock to vantage points along the Tyne, including South Shields, to greet the famous Cunard liner, which is due to arrive at about 4.30pm on Sunday.

There are three Metro trains an hour to South Shields, North Shields and Tynemouth stations, as well as frequent bus services.

Information on travelling times to riverside vantage points is available by visiting www.nexus.org.uk or calling (0871) 200 22 33.

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Andy Bairstow, director of communications for Nexus, which runs the Metro, said: "With large crowds expected, it makes sense for people to allow extra time for their journeys.

"Metro services are expected to be very busy, and there will be increased traffic on the roads."

Key vantage points on the north side of the Tyne include the Collingwood memorial, Tynemouth Pier and North Shields Fish Quay.

On the south bank, Littlehaven, Lawe Top and the Mill Dam ferry landing area will provide good views.

Three Metro trains an hour run to Tynemouth and North Shields stations throughout Sunday.

Three trains an hour run to South Shields station throughout Sunday. The ferry landing is five minutes' walk from the station, and Littlehaven is about 15 minutes' away.

Frequent bus services from all over South Tyneside run to Keppel Street in South Shields, next to the Metro station.

From Sunderland, E1, E2 and E6 buses run every few minutes from Park Lane through Seaburn and Fulwell.

From Hetton and Houghton, the 35 service runs every 15 minutes via Sunderland Park Lane.

From Durham and Chester-le-Street, bus 50 runs every hour.