Island to close for lighthouse restoration work

The causeway which connects St Mary's Lighthouse will reopen during the school summer holidays

An island, lighthouse and causeway will close to the public while renovation works take place.

Whitley Bay's St Mary's Lighthouse and its buildings will be repaired and painted, meaning it will shut from Monday until mid September.

North Tyneside Council said the "facelift" needed to be done "quickly and safely" to avoid causing harm to the seals and birds.

The causeway will reopen for the school summer holidays on 22 July and close again in early September to allow the works to be finished.

A spokesperson said signs would be put up in the car park advising people of the opening times.