South Tyneside Council (STC) has officially opened a new-look seafront in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, following a £2m overhaul.

Improvements were undertaken as part of the government's now-defunct Sea Change scheme and has included work to create new performance areas and seating. STC leader Iain Malcolm, who also chairs the Foreshore Working Group, said: "South Tyneside Council received a £1m grant last year from the previous government and matched this with £1m council funding to make these improvements.

"This is great for South Shields and for the Borough because such an attractive and family-friendly seafront draws the visitors and further increases confidence and pride in the borough."