Recalling Tyneside in 1980

IT WAS 1980 and Tyneside had a new light rail system, the Metro, which would revolutionise public transport in our region. Our photos of the recently completed Metro viaduct at Byker and passengers travelling aboard one of the system's new carriages are among the images from the Chronicle archive which recall scenes around Tyneside 45 years ago.

- By KALI LINDSAY

Newcastle was marking its 900th anniversary (the ‘New castle’ having been founded in 1080 by Robert Curthose, eldest son of William the Conqueror), with a series of events held around the city throughout the year. We see a giant, inflatable dome installed in the Haymarket area which would house exhibitions during the course of the celebrations.