Queen's Baton Relay reaches Tyneside and Northumberland

Michelle Weedy took the baton at Souter Lighthouse

The Queen's Baton Relay has reached Tyneside and Northumberland during a two-day tour of the North East ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Crowds gathered at Souter Lighthouse in South Shields before the relay made its way to Whitley Bay, Blyth and Alnwick.

It also visited Gateshead's Angel of the North before ending the day on Newcastle Quayside.

The baton has been travelling across England ahead of the start of the games in Birmingham on 28 July.

It has now reached the halfway point of its journey around the UK.

Despite rain, the pleasure park on South Shields seafront provided a colourful backdrop for batonbearer Angie Comerford

Paralympian Stephen Miller and Paul Harris took the baton at Whitley Bay

Onlookers lined the streets as the relay made its way through Whitley Bay

Jakob Adams showed off his skills at Whitley Bay Skate Park

Once in Northumberland, Jenny Thomas was given the honour of carrying the baton at Alnwick Gardens

On Thursday, batonbearers were greeted by crowds at Saltburn Pier before whistle-stop visits through Redcar, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Darlington.

The baton began its journey across 71 Commonwealth countries and territories last October. It has taken in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean and the Americas.