Remote islanders shopping spree

• Residents of a remote group of islands are paying a visit to Tyneside for a festive shopping trip. The Norrona, a ferry carrying almost 1,000 passengers from the Faroe Islands, will be landing at North Shields later.

  It will stay for 24 hours, allowing visits to shopping centres and other attractions in the Newcastle area.

  A special "whats on" guide has been designed to help them make the most of the city.

  Created by the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, it includes information on places to eat and events.

  It is the first time the Port of Tyne has received a ferry from the Faroes.

  Since the loss of the Norwegian route in 2008 the port has been attempting to resurrect interest in a service between the Tyne and ports in Norway, Sweden, Demark and Iceland.

  Steven Harrison, chief operating officer for the Port of Tyne said: "This call is significant in recognising the excellent passenger facilities available at the port in addition to fantastic visitor attractions in the North East.

  "In the coming months we will be marketing these to other ferry operators in an effort to secure more regular services. "

  Andrew Dixon, chief executive for NewcastleGateshead Initiative, added "The Port of Tyne is a gateway to thousands of international visitors to the region every year.

  "Its fantastic to see the port welcoming the Faroese and we hope by providing bespoke visitor information theyll be encouraged to come back to the region in the future. "

  Source: BBC News - England