10 pictures from South Shields on the first day of North East's new Covid-19 restrictions

Sunderland, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Durham, Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle are now subject to new Covid-19 rules in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.

As of midnight on Friday, September 18 residents across the North East are being told not to socialise with other households and further restrictions to opening times and operations are being enforced in food and drink outlets.

These changes are in addition to the nationwide six-person limit on social gatherings that came into force on Monday (14 September). This rule is in place across the country and will sit alongside additional restrictions in some local areas, including the North East.

On South Shield’s first day under the new restrictions, our photographer Stu Norton took to the streets to capture the scenes in the area...