I would like to thank the lovely people from the South Tyneside area for helping me enjoy my recent visit to South Shields in recent weeks.

It was the first event of its kind for the Little Haven in association with the Silver Bullet Country Music Club – it proved so popular that it will be returning in November with a host of the very best country acts heading to South Shields later this year.

A big thanks to my friends from around South Shields, including Heather Hollingsworth and her team at the Little Haven Hotel for making sure my long weekend break in such lovely surroundings was most memorable and comfortable.

I loved being able to access a walk along that beautiful beach with all its stunning scenery – you people are truly blessed to have such a wonderful beach in your town. It was a world away from the pressures of reading acting scripts and the pressure of TV

Finally, it was great to meet my pal David Johnson, from South Tyneside Hospital Radio, during my recent stay. I have guested with David on his show in the past and it was lovely to chat with him and to make a contribution to the continued success of the hospital radio service as it celebrates 60 years of being on air.

Congratulations to all concerned regarding this milestone, and to all the great work by people such as David and station boss Ron Cameron.

Once again a sincere thanks to all concerned in making my time on South Tyneside so very special

Bruce Jones