Hundreds of balloons have been released by Gateshead College students to symbolise the number of unemployed in the region, and to mark the start of the college's pledge to support young people through StartUp Britain.
Gateshead College are encouraging students to aim high to secure their future by pursuing their own entrepreneurial dreams.
The college is the exclusive further education partner for the Entrepreneurs' Forum, and a founder of the StartUp Britain campaign to help give advice and guidance on setting up your own business.
"I would personally like to thank the local community for their amazing donations of food, toiletries and clothing. "
Owners John and Irene Hays say there is ''light at the end of the tunnel'', after the pandemic forced them to close 650 UK stores.
There has been resistance to calls to dismantle memorials to the explorer.