The first new Stadler built train for the Tyne and Wear Metro has been seen on test at the test track in Switzerland.

The new train is one of the first to be built in a £362m project to renew the trains on the Metro.

Stadler is putting the train through dynamic and static testing at their facility in Erlen.

Two of the first trains will then be sent to the Czech Republic where some of the Metro drivers will get their first chance to drive one.

It is expected that the first Metro train will arrive in the region in December and will go through more testing and training before it can enter passenger service.

Head of Fleet and Depot Renewal at Nexus, Michael Richardson, said: “It’s brilliant to see the first new Metro train moving along the Stadler test track.

“This is a really important phase of the project as the first few units undergo rigorous testing before we start taking delivery of them.

“This new footage gives our customers a glimpse of what the new trains will be like as we countdown to the first one arriving in North East England at the end of the year.

“The video shows the new train at Stadler’s commissioning and start-up centre in Switzerland. This where they send new trains fresh from the production line for inspection, testing and commissioning.

“The new trains are going to deliver a step-change in quality for our customers when they start entering full service next year and we are really excited to see them taking shape.”