Newcastle and Sunderland games: Warning over transport strikes

Newcastle's game against Paris Saint-Germain kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday

Thousands of football fans travelling to Newcastle and Sunderland's home games are being warned to expect disruption caused by transport strikes.

Employees of Go North East and Northern Rail will be on strike on Wednesday, with many services cancelled.

Newcastle's Champion's League home game against Paris Saint-Germain kicks off at 20:00 and Sunderland play Watford at 19:45 GMT.

Metro operator Nexus warned supporters that metros would be busier than usual.

The Black Cats are taking on Watford in the Championship and a crowd of 35,000 is expected at the Stadium of Light.

Metro operator, Nexus warned that metros would be busy ahead of both big games

Newcastle City Council said it was extending the opening hours of its car parks to cope with extra traffic.

It is Newcastle's first Champion's League home game in 20 years and the club celebrated by holding a drone light show on Monday and lighting up the skies with a "We're Back" message.

Newcastle Council warned fans to leave plenty of time to travel to St James' Park.

It said it was extending opening times at car parks until midnight including Eldon Square, Spillers and Manors.

Bus depots affected by the strike action include Consett, Gateshead, Hexham, Sunderland and Washington.

On Tuesday the club had a surprise drone light show to mark their return to the Champions League

Nexus customer services director Huw Lewis said: "Public transport is going to be really busy tomorrow evening and roads are likely to be congested due to the impact of bus and rail company strikes.

"We are advising people to plan ahead and avoid travelling in and around the two football matches in Newcastle and Sunderland if they can.

"Where possible please avoid travel on bus and Metro services to and from the centres of Newcastle and Sunderland from late afternoon onwards.

"If you do need to travel then please allow plenty of time to get where you are going."

Newcastle held the drone show with Saudi events company Sela and it featured United's Magpie mascot soaring across the skies before turning into the black and white team shirts adorned with the names of England defender Kieran Trippier, Brazil international Bruno Guimarães and Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali.