Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell has welcomed the news that Tynemouth has become the first place in the North East to be awarded plastic-free status after a campaign to rid the coastline of harmful materials.

The area has been given the status by marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) after volunteers persuaded many traders in Tynemouth to swap throwaway plastic items for reusable or biodegradable alternatives.

Alan said “I was happy to work with Surfer’s Against Sewage and local councillors to help them qualify It demonstrates that people in Tynemouth care deeply about this problem and are ready to work together and do their bit to solve it. We have a wonderful stretch of coastline and we all wish to protect it.   Coastal regeneration is close to my heart and this award can only add to the attractions of Tynemouth as a place to live, work or visit.”