Norröna brings hundreds of shoppers from Faroe Islands
The high speed ferry is in the Tyne today Credit: ITV
Shoppers from the Faroe Islands have made an eight hundred mile round trip to get their hands on Christmas presents for family and friends back home.
For the fourth year in a row, passengers have visited the region to shop in Newcastle City Centre and at the MetroCentre - bringing a boost to the North East's economy.
The Faroese are said to be fond of British food, and in particular fish and chips and Cadbury's Dairy Milk - a rarity in Denmark.
"We have welcomed a record number of cruise and ferry passengers this year, almost doubling passenger numbers and cruise calls.
The Port's passenger operations generate almost fifty million pounds each year in terms of tourst spend in the region, supporting over 1700 jobs."
Andrew Moffat, Chief Executive Officer for Port of Tyne
Council leaders in York admit businesses in the city centre will suffer following the decision to approve a controversial out-of-town shopping centre and sports stadium.
A new John Lewis store will open at Monks Cross on the outskirts of the city along with a Marks and Spencer store. The shopping scheme will help fund a new sports stadium for York City and the city's rugby league club.
Adam Sinclair from the Chamber of Trade says the plans make no sense, but Councillor James Alexander defended York City Council's decision.
There's controversy over a decision to approve an out of town shopping development in York. Business leaders and the council are at odds.
by Tim Backshall
John Lewis store that will be built at the new York out of town development Credit: York City Council
A new John Lewis store will open at Monks Cross on the outksirts of the city along with a Marks and Spencer store. The council has defended its decision but the local Chamber of Trade says it makes no sense
The new football and rugby league stadium planned for York Credit: York City Council
The shopping scheme will help fund a new sports stadium for York City and the city's rugby league club.
Five of the region's high streets struggling with shop closures are to get half a million pounds from the Government. North Tyneside, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Darlington and Hartlepool will get 100 thousand each to help new businesses.
It comes after the Government accepted Mary Portas's recommendations - the star of Mary Queen of Shops and the Bottom Line.
Business owners in Cannon Park are angry at council plans to redevelop the area and turn it into a shopping complex. They could be forced to move their premises to another part of town. A council meeting will take place today and proposals are expected to be put out to public consultation.
