South Shields FC lead summer parade celebrations

Extravagant and eye catching, the Summer Parade in South Shields celebrated the magic of children's story telling this year.

The town was also celebrating their football team, the Mariners, and their successful season.

South Shields defeated Cleethorpes Town 4-0 at Wembley Stadium in May to bring home the FA vase trophy.

Geoff Thompson, South Shields FC Chairman, says the achievement is "unbelievable".

The open top bus parade was due to take place earlier this year but it was postponed, following the terror attack at Manchester arena.

But managers and players at South Shields FC say the day was about positivity and celebrating all that the town's football club has achieved:

The carnival made its way through the town and the parade culminated at Bents Park on the sea front. There was increased security to make sure the event was safe and to reassure people.

Cllr Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said the day only strengthened the people's community spirit: