The Pelaw station is used by 1.3m passengers a year

The modernised Pelaw station in Gateshead now boasts a landmark arched roof and enclosed passenger lounge - the first of its kind on the Metro.

Passenger numbers at Pelaw have doubled since 2002 when it became a key interchange for the lines to Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Metro operator Nexus said the number of people using the station had risen from 600,000 to 1.3m a year.

Ken Mackay, director of Metro, said: "Passengers will feel the difference when they board or change trains at Pelaw.

"We have delivered a step change in quality that means our customers can travel in greater comfort.

Remained open

"This represents a significant investment in the future of Metro. We want to repeat the good work done at Pelaw, meeting the high expectations of today's travellers."

The station's new passenger lounge was formally opened on Monday by MP for Jarrow Stephen Hepburn, Nexus director general Mike Parker, and members of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority.

As well as the passenger lounge, the modernisation programme included improved covered approaches, secure bicycle storage, better access for disabled passengers and the latest passenger information systems.

Pelaw station platforms have remained open throughout the nine-month revamp with the minimum of disruption to passengers and services, Nexus said.