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."

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.

Image source, 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."

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.

Image source, Nexus

A doctor in Stockton has recorded videos in three different languages appealing for local Muslims to accept their vaccination appointments during Ramadan., external

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."

Image source, 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."

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.

Image source, 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.

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.

Image source, Owen Humphreys / PA

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).

Image source, Owen Humphreys / PA

In Wallsend, the first socially-distanced strength classes were held at Ultimate Fitness Gym, with the doors open to improve ventilation.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

And in Newcastle city centre, the Literary and Philosophical library reopened, with members able to check out the vast collection of books.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

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.