Transport minister Robert Goodwill has visited the Port of Sunderland to see the rail link begin operation once again, thanks to a £600,000 investment from Network Rail.

The port currently handles 700,000 tonnes of freight every day, and it is hoped the new connection will help improve the port’s capacity and popularity. The route joins up to the East Coast Main Line, meaning that it will be easy for cargo to be transported across the rest of the UK.

Mr Goodwill said: “The reconnection of the port’s rail link will boost its import and export capabilities significantly. I am proud to see this historic port being put firmly on the map again for freight and maritime projects and gearing up for more business.”

He is visiting the area to see the potential value of transport investment in helping to create the northern powerhouse the government has promised.