From one Washington to another, the world reacts to Donald Trump's shock US election win

Outspoken Republican candidate Trump convincingly defeated his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton against the odds.

As those in the American capital prepare for Trump to move into the White House, those in its Wearside namesake were united in their surprise at his big win.

In fact, the news was the talk of the town.

Kayleigh Hankinson, general manager of Olivia’s Coffee House, in Spout Lane, said: “I was quite surprised to wake up to the news he had been elected.

“It was the talk of the coffee house all morning, with all the customers discussing it. They all seemed shocked about it.

“I used to think Trump was quite entertaining when he was on The Apprentice, but I certainly didn’t expect him to become the president.”

Carolyn Jessop, from Philadelphia, and sister-in-law Katie Jessop, from Rickleton, were also digesting the news in the coffee shop.

Carolyn said: “I was shocked. I didn’t think it would actually happen.

“So many people seem to have wanted to take drastic action, so have gone for a drastic option in the hope that something will change.

“I don’t think the reason people voted for him was motivated by hope – it was more by fear of what could happen if they didn’t try to change things.

Katie added: “I didn’t think he’d get in.

“Some of his policies are very harsh, and a bit worrying.

“I don’t think some of his policies will come about. They’re a bit too outrageous.

“He used scare tactics and I don’t think he’ll follow through with some of them.”

Friends Paula Kingsley and Lorraine Hedley, both from Washington, were discussing the election result while enjoying lunch at Cross Keys, also in Spout Lane.

Paula said: “I’d hate to be an American. I wouldn’t have voted for either of them.

“I can’t believe he was elected.

“This is what the Americans must want, though. This is what they’ve voted for and they have to live with the consquences now.

“It will inevitably affect us as well, because if he starts to pick fights with countries, we’ll have to choose sides.

“He said in his speech he would keep good relations with countries willing to make the effort.

“If anyone isn’t willing to do that, who knows what he’s going to do.”

Lorraine added: “When I woke up, I saw it straightaway on Facebook.

“I think the whole world was surprised and is waiting to see what happens next.”

George McLaughlin, also from Washington, spoke of the “alarm” many feel about what may happen now.

He said: “I didn’t expect Trump to win the election.

“I don’t know what to think, but there’s a lot of alarm about what he might do.

“We’ll have to wait and see what happens over the next few years.

“Hopefully he is just all talk with some of the policies he talked about.

“He says he’ll help all the people in America, but I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Washington Old Hall, famously, was the family home of the ancestors of George Washington, the first US president.

And Sarah Murray, operations manager of Washington Old Hall, said: “I would be interested to know what the Washington family would have made of the whole election campaign and result.”