The Whitley Bay Sandcastle competition took place on the town's beach on Sunday, August 17, where children competed to create the best sandcastle constructions.

The competition was run by North Tyneside Council in partnership with Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, and more than 1,000 'I've had a great day in Whitley Bay' stickers were handed out as part of a scheme by the chamber of trade who got 15-year-old Sarah McDermott to design the sticker as part of an apprenticeship programme at Made to Treasure.

Chamber of Trade chairman Alan Moses said: "Everyone was thrilled to have a family day at Whitley Bay, and as expected many were local residents, but others were visiting the area and had seen the adverts and come from further afield.

"It was a rewarding day and some families brought grandparents and often three generations made a family day of it with picnics."

There were over 100 sandcastles, and most sandcastle teams were made up of children with mums, dads, granparents and other family members helping.

Organisers estimated that there were over one thousand people on the beach.

There was a first, second and third prize in each category, each consisting of Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade shopping vouchers £25, £15, and £10 respectively. The Friends of St Mary's Island also awarded three special prizes for the best lighthouse model.

Ward councillor Margaret Marshall awarded the Chamber of Trade vouchers, and Morag Horseman did the presentations on behalf of the Friends of St Mary's Island.

Winners were:
Under 6 Years -1st Joshua Cochran aged 5, 2nd James aged 4, 3rd Olivier Healey aged 5;
6 to 9 Years - 1st Jasmine Wright aged 9, 2nd Thomas Earl aged 8, 3rd Katy Skingsley aged 7;
10 to 12 Years - 1st Maleaka aged 11, 2nd Jasmine Nelson aged 12, 3rd Claire Hedley aged 12;
St Mary's Competition - 1st Toby Hall aged 12, 2nd Ruth aged 4, 3rd Marcus Ball aged 7.