Northumberland zoo welcomes the return of visitors
A family-run zoo which was in danger of closing because of lockdown says the future looks promising after welcoming back visitors.
Northumberland County Zoo in Morpeth was forced to shut for a third of last year because of the pandemic and has relied on public donations to keep going.
But with restrictions lifting on Monday, it has opened its doors for the first time this year and is filling up with bookings.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Curator Maxine Bradley said: "We're pretty much fully booked which is awesome and it's great to see everyone enjoying the sun and enjoying the animals."
BBCCopyright: BBC
Quote Message: We've recently had to apply for the Zoo Animals Fund because we have got into our last 12 weeks of funds, so we're not out of the woods yet and are hoping we can keep visitor numbers up and be able to get through this properly." from Maxine Bradley Northumberland County Zoo
We've recently had to apply for the Zoo Animals Fund because we have got into our last 12 weeks of funds, so we're not out of the woods yet and are hoping we can keep visitor numbers up and be able to get through this properly."
Quayside Market to reopen on Sunday
Newcastle’s Quayside Market will return on Sunday, with security marshals on site to disperse people if it becomes too crowded.
The city council says a number of safety measures will be in place to protect traders and shoppers, and everyone who visits will need to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing.
The market was forced to close earlier this year in line with lockdown restrictions, but will reopen this weekend from 09:00-16:00.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Michelle Percy, from Newcastle City Council, said: “The Quayside Market is one of the iconic features of our great city, and we know how tough it has been for traders with their businesses being significantly impacted by Covid-19.
“It’s been fantastic to see the buzz returning to the city as more businesses have been able to reopen, and the Quayside Market is certainly a welcome addition in terms of supporting the reopening of our city."
Shields Ferry to return to full service
Evening ferry crossings between North and South Shields will resume next week.
Nexus, which operates the Shields Ferry, says crossings after 18:30 on weekdays and on Saturdays will be restored with the last one leaving North Shields at 20:00 Monday to Wednesday, and at 22:50 Thursday to Saturday.
Customer services director Huw Lewis said: “Customers are still advised to minimise travel, follow social distancing rules and good hand hygiene, and wear a face covering on board at all times unless exempt.”
The timetable on Sundays is not changing and services will continue to end at 18:00.
The holy month sees many Muslims not eating or drinking during daylight hours.
Dr Ijaz Anwar, a consultant at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, has reassured residents that receiving a Covid vaccination during Ramadan does not conflict with fasting.
Dr Anwar said: "This is a clear ruling and I've checked with Imams and for anybody who is hesistant about the Covid vaccine because of fasting they can check with their local Imams and all will tell you it does not contravene your fasting, so please go for your jab."
North Tees NHSCopyright: North Tees NHS
Last year he said it was difficult observing Ramadan during the pandemic as the hospital was very busy: "I was covering Covid areas so had to be in full PPE and it was hard but I managed to keep my fast last year, so it's probably easier this year.
"It's the first day of fasting today and it's shorter in duration so after a couple of days to concentrate, then you get used to it."
Dog of rescued Marske man is found
A Jack Russell missing since his owner was rescued by the RNLI in Skinningrove three days ago has been found.
Murphy was discovered by RNLI crews this morning sheltering under rocks on the beach.
Redcar RNLICopyright: Redcar RNLI
He's been taken to a vets to be checked over and his owner has been informed.
The dog had been missing since Friday night when a search was launched for his owner who'd been reported missing from his home in Marske.
The Redcar lifeboat was launched in freezing temperatures to search between Saltburn and Skinningrove.
The crew used a themal imaging device to locate the man, who was brought to safety.
Photographer Owen Humphreys took these pictures of a queue outside Ronnie's barber shop in Monkseaton (above) and inside Unique Traditional barbers in Whitley Bay (below).
Owen Humphreys / PACopyright: Owen Humphreys / PA
In Wallsend, the first socially-distanced strength classes were held at Ultimate Fitness Gym, with the doors open to improve ventilation.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
And in Newcastle city centre, the Literary and Philosophical library reopened, with members able to check out the vast collection of books.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Doorstep Covid jabs considered for elderly in Middlesbrough
Door-to-door vaccine jabs are being considered to reach a “couple of hundred” elderly people who haven’t received their first vaccines in Middlesbrough.
Health bosses and the council's chief executive Tony Parkinson have confirmed the idea of taking jabs to the doorsteps of older residents is being looked at.
Mr Parkinson said the council was looking to get lists from GP surgeries to contact the remaining over 80s who hadn’t been vaccinated.
Council statistics also showed there has been a lower uptake among residents with African, Pakistani and Indian heritage.
Last week the Al Mustafa Centre, on Parliament Road in Middlesbrough, and Stockton’s Farooq E Azam Mosque and Islamic Centre, on Bowesfield Lane, became vaccine clinics.
Stockton’s mayor Mohammed Javed (pictured below) had his second jab at the the Mosque last week.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Quote Message: Vaccine uptake among our community is lower throughout the country so it’s very important for us to have the clinics set up in mosques, or community centres, to encourage people to have vaccines." from Mohammed Javed Stockton Mayor
Vaccine uptake among our community is lower throughout the country so it’s very important for us to have the clinics set up in mosques, or community centres, to encourage people to have vaccines."
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Northumberland zoo welcomes the return of visitors
A family-run zoo which was in danger of closing because of lockdown says the future looks promising after welcoming back visitors.
Northumberland County Zoo in Morpeth was forced to shut for a third of last year because of the pandemic and has relied on public donations to keep going.
But with restrictions lifting on Monday, it has opened its doors for the first time this year and is filling up with bookings.
Curator Maxine Bradley said: "We're pretty much fully booked which is awesome and it's great to see everyone enjoying the sun and enjoying the animals."
Quayside Market to reopen on Sunday
Newcastle’s Quayside Market will return on Sunday, with security marshals on site to disperse people if it becomes too crowded.
The city council says a number of safety measures will be in place to protect traders and shoppers, and everyone who visits will need to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing.
The market was forced to close earlier this year in line with lockdown restrictions, but will reopen this weekend from 09:00-16:00.
Michelle Percy, from Newcastle City Council, said: “The Quayside Market is one of the iconic features of our great city, and we know how tough it has been for traders with their businesses being significantly impacted by Covid-19.
“It’s been fantastic to see the buzz returning to the city as more businesses have been able to reopen, and the Quayside Market is certainly a welcome addition in terms of supporting the reopening of our city."
Shields Ferry to return to full service
Evening ferry crossings between North and South Shields will resume next week.
Nexus, which operates the Shields Ferry, says crossings after 18:30 on weekdays and on Saturdays will be restored with the last one leaving North Shields at 20:00 Monday to Wednesday, and at 22:50 Thursday to Saturday.
Customer services director Huw Lewis said: “Customers are still advised to minimise travel, follow social distancing rules and good hand hygiene, and wear a face covering on board at all times unless exempt.”
The timetable on Sundays is not changing and services will continue to end at 18:00.
Covid vaccines will not contravene Ramadan fasts
A doctor in Stockton has recorded videos in three different languages appealing for local Muslims to accept their vaccination appointments during Ramadan.
The holy month sees many Muslims not eating or drinking during daylight hours.
Dr Ijaz Anwar, a consultant at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, has reassured residents that receiving a Covid vaccination during Ramadan does not conflict with fasting.
Dr Anwar said: "This is a clear ruling and I've checked with Imams and for anybody who is hesistant about the Covid vaccine because of fasting they can check with their local Imams and all will tell you it does not contravene your fasting, so please go for your jab."
Last year he said it was difficult observing Ramadan during the pandemic as the hospital was very busy: "I was covering Covid areas so had to be in full PPE and it was hard but I managed to keep my fast last year, so it's probably easier this year.
"It's the first day of fasting today and it's shorter in duration so after a couple of days to concentrate, then you get used to it."
Dog of rescued Marske man is found
A Jack Russell missing since his owner was rescued by the RNLI in Skinningrove three days ago has been found.
Murphy was discovered by RNLI crews this morning sheltering under rocks on the beach.
He's been taken to a vets to be checked over and his owner has been informed.
The dog had been missing since Friday night when a search was launched for his owner who'd been reported missing from his home in Marske.
The Redcar lifeboat was launched in freezing temperatures to search between Saltburn and Skinningrove.
The crew used a themal imaging device to locate the man, who was brought to safety.
Barbers, gyms and 'secret' library all reopen
Queues formed outside barber shops and gyms welcomed back exercise fans as the easing of lockdown restrictions continued.
Non-essential shops and beauty salons can now open their doors in England and Wales, and many people couldn't wait to get a haircut.
Photographer Owen Humphreys took these pictures of a queue outside Ronnie's barber shop in Monkseaton (above) and inside Unique Traditional barbers in Whitley Bay (below).
In Wallsend, the first socially-distanced strength classes were held at Ultimate Fitness Gym, with the doors open to improve ventilation.
And in Newcastle city centre, the Literary and Philosophical library reopened, with members able to check out the vast collection of books.
Doorstep Covid jabs considered for elderly in Middlesbrough
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Alex Metcalfe
Door-to-door vaccine jabs are being considered to reach a “couple of hundred” elderly people who haven’t received their first vaccines in Middlesbrough.
Health bosses and the council's chief executive Tony Parkinson have confirmed the idea of taking jabs to the doorsteps of older residents is being looked at.
Mr Parkinson said the council was looking to get lists from GP surgeries to contact the remaining over 80s who hadn’t been vaccinated.
Council statistics also showed there has been a lower uptake among residents with African, Pakistani and Indian heritage.
Last week the Al Mustafa Centre, on Parliament Road in Middlesbrough, and Stockton’s Farooq E Azam Mosque and Islamic Centre, on Bowesfield Lane, became vaccine clinics.
Stockton’s mayor Mohammed Javed (pictured below) had his second jab at the the Mosque last week.