Fathers' rights activist plans 'two week' Tyne Bridge protest

A protester has this morning, June 21, climbed 180ft up to the top of the Tyne Bridge saying he wants to raise awareness of the tens of thousands of children unable to see their dads this Father’s Day, because of family court orders.

Real Fathers for Justice activist, Simon Anderton unfurled a 25ft purple banner printed ‘Happy Fatherless Day’ 180ft up Newcastle's iconic bridge.

Mr Anderton, who is harnessed to the structure, has said he plans to stay up there without leaving for two weeks and has plenty of food and water.

Mr Anderton, 56, who has five children, has said he has not seen his youngest two daughters for 14 years and sold his house to to fund his family court battle.

In previous protests he has scaled Westminster Abbey, spent 9 days on the roof of Metro Radio studios and occupied the Tyne Bridge for 3 days in 2008.

Mr Anderton has said he is dedicating this protest, which he says will be his last, to the memory of fellow activist Elaine Downes who lost her battle with cancer in 2012.