Anti-social behaviour and littering, volunteers left clearing up the mess after thousands visit the coast

North Tyneside council has condemned visitors who left piles of rubbish behind after a day at the beach.

After weeks of lockdown, thousands of day-trippers made the most of the good weather on Thursday by taking picnics and BBQs to the coast, but the council has criticised some, who left the beaches in a sorry state.

Volunteers collected several bags of rubbish, including food packaging, empty bottles of alcohol, cans and plastic carrier bags.

There were also near misses, as people discarded hot portable BBQs in plastic wheelie bins, causing them to singe.

North Tyneside was not the only place where visitors left behind mess.

Similar issues have been reported in parks and beaches right across the North East.

On Wearside, day-trippers littered Seaburn beach with bottles of alcohol, plastic cups and plastic bags. All items which can be dangerous for our coastal wildlife.

Harrogate where this group of friends will once again spend this weekend litter picking to clean up their town

Meanwhile in North Yorkshire, Harrogate Town Council say they've increased litter collections and are looking at other things they can do to manage the situation.

The message from local authorities is for visitors to enjoy the beach responsibly, protect our region's coastlines and leave them in the impeccable condition that visitors have become accustomed to.