Storm Babet: South Shields Lighthouse dome search continues

The lighthouse's dome was ripped off during last week's storm

Efforts to find a lighthouse's dome are still under way after it was ripped off in Storm Babet.

High waves caused "significant" damage to the structure in South Shields and the stonework of the north and south piers last week.

Port of Tyne said a "comprehensive coastline inspection is under way to locate the missing dome structure".

Both the north and south piers have been closed to the public until repair work can be carried out.

Port of Tyne marine director Ashley Nicholson said: "Both public safety and navigational safety remain our number one priority during this challenging period.

"Our team is actively working to reinstate the navigation lights as a top priority.

"To ensure the safety of the public, the piers will continue to remain closed until the near future."

South Shields Lighthouse before the dome was knocked off

Along with the dome being lost from the south pier's lighthouse, a 180ft (60m) section of the parapet stone was "displaced".

The damage has affected the power supply to the lighthouse and now needs repairs.

The North Pier Lighthouse was also "extinguished" after water entered the building.

A large section of the stone parapet wall was dislodged from the pier and some of it washed into the sea.

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Port of Tyne has been collecting debris from the River Tyne after rubble began to make its way downriver. A specialist boat has been in operation since Monday to collect it.

The port added that the loss of the lighthouses did not "significantly impact other port operations".