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Extra trains help Bay fans get on track for Wembley

22 Apr 2009

TRAIN operator National Express East Coast is to run an extra train to help Whitley Bay football fans follow their team to Wembley.

The additional services will run to and from London on Sunday, 10 May – the day 'the Bay' take on Glossop North End in the FA Vase final.

Whitley Bay are the first North East football team to play in a final at the new Wembley Stadium. Thousands of fans are expected to make the journey to the capital to cheer on their heroes.

Known locally as ‘The Seahorses’, the club’s manager Ian Chandler scored when they last won the FA Vase in 2002.

National Express East Coast managing director Susan Goldsmith said: “As the first North East team to compete in a final at the magnificent new Wembley Stadium, we know how important this match is to many of the region’s football fans.

“We are keen to help make travel simpler for the Whitley Bay fans who will want to go to Wembley and hopefully, cheer the team to victory”.

The extra train leaves Newcastle at 8.30am on the morning of the final, calling at Durham (8.42am) and Darlington (9am), then running non-stop to London King’s Cross with a scheduled arrival time of 11.35am – in plenty of time for the game, which kicks off at 2.30pm.

Tickets and seats on the extra train are on sale now and can be booked online at www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com, by phone on 08457 225225 or by visiting any staffed rail station.

Advance return fares between Newcastle and London start from £28 Standard Class or £94 First Class.

Newcastle station is linked directly to Whitley Bay by Tyne and Wear Metro trains, whilst Wembley is served by direct London Underground trains.

ENDS.

Note to editors:

In addition to the extra trains outlined above, a full normal Sunday train timetable will be in operation between Newcastle and London on the day of the football final, offering supporters a range of travel options.

Demand for travel is expected to be higher than normal and those heading to London for the match are advised to book early.

National Express is Official Travel Supporter to Wembley Stadium.