The 'losers' list will be displayed at Metro stations

More than 100 fare evaders on the Tyne and Wear Metro have been branded "losers" after a fare-dodging drive by inspectors.

The 112 - who were all caught in April 2003 - were found without a valid ticket system by revenue control teams for Metro operators Nexus.

They were ordered to pay out a total of £14,495  in fines and costs and will have their names added to a "name and shame" list seen at Metro stations across Tyne and Wear.

Mike Parker, director general of Nexus, said: "We are pro-active in catching those people who believe they can ride the Metro without a ticket.

"The court convictions we have secured show that Nexus is committed to clamping down on fare evasion.

"These people face fines, the shame of going to court and also the added stigma of having their names added to our very successful and eye catching "Losers" posters.

"The message is clear, buy a ticket or face prosecution when you're caught."