Community encourage to get creative and win an entire Metro carriage

Local communities in the Newcastle area are being given the chance to win a very unique piece of memorabilia... and it probably won't fit above the fireplace.

Tyne and Wear Metro is looking to hear community ideas on what could be done to old trains.

Nexus, who own and manager Metro, are inviting community groups and not-for-profit organisation to submit ideas for the iconic Metro carriages.

The old fleet is set to be replaced by sleek new trains in 2023.

Nexus hopes to donate up to five old Metro carriages to the community to be used in novel ways.

Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “The Metro trains have been real workhorses over the last 41 years but they will start to be phased out from 2023 to make way for our new trains, so it’s fitting that we allow some to be donated for local communities to make use of them.

“We are seeking expressions of interest and ideas from community groups and non-profit organisations about how a Metrocar might be used somewhere as a public asset once it has been taken out of service

“What we need now are creative and exciting proposals from the public as we get ready to say goodbye to the Metro fleet.

“We are giving away up to five Metro trains. The challenge is to get your thinking caps on and consider how you would go about converting a Metrocar to a new use if you were to receive one.

“Using an old Metro as a valued community space is a very fitting way to commemorate the service they have provided since they entered service over 40 years ago.”

The old trains are to be phased out from 2023 and through 2024.

As well as giving out the old carriages, Metro will retain two of the original 1970s prototypes for heritage purposes.

The Metro's new fleet of 46 trains are said to be 15 times more reliable and will cut energy consumption by 30%.

They will also have features including internet connectivity, charging points and air conditioning.

Great accessibility for wheelchair passengers is another addition.