Great North Swim cancelled due to forecast wind

The Great North Swim began in 2011

A 10 mile (16km) swim in the River Tyne has been cancelled because forecast wind conditions will be "too strong".

The Great North Swim from Newcastle Quayside to South Shields, was due to take place on Sunday to coincide with the Great North Run.

However organiser Tony Greener said the forecast wind meant the safety kayaks were "more susceptible" to capsizing, so the event has been cancelled.

Mr Greener said he was "trying hard" to reschedule the event in October.

The swim, from the Millennium Bridge to Little Haven Beach, is to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and is in its third year.