THOUSANDS of people will flock to the banks of the Tyne on Sunday to mark the QE2's first ever visit to the Tyne.
The legendary liner is touring the UK to mark its 40th birthday, and arrives in North East England this weekend.
Hordes of local people and tourists are expected to line both sides of the river, and tourism chiefs have issued a map giving the best
vantage points.
There are four featured viewing areas in South Shields; the ferry landing, the Lawe Top, Littlehaven Beach and Harbour Drive.
The map was issued by tourism bosses from the NewcastleGateshead Initiative.
And for those who may miss out on this weekend's historic trip, liner bosses have promised she will return next year. The ship is set to retire and become a floating hotel at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, but before she sails off, the QE2 will make one final tour – which will include Tyneside on October 8 and 9.
The Cunard Line ocean liner is named after the earlier Cunard liner, RMS Queen Elizabeth, and was the firm's flagship from 1969 until succeeded by RMS Queen Mary 2 in 2004.
The 963ft ship was built in Clydebank, Scotland, and was considered the last of the great transatlantic ocean liners prior to the construction of the QM2.
During her 40 years of service, the QE2 has travelled the world and now operates as a cruise ship.
The full article contains 239 words and appears in Shields Gazette newspaper.
