Photographer searching for South Shields couple in this stunning image overjoyed after 'story completed'

Keith Bernstein, 63, took this striking shot of a couple walking to The Groyne during his visit to the town and launched an appeal through the Gazette to find out who they were.

Mr Bernstein had hoped to enter the photo into the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize – an annual exhibition held at the National Portrait Gallery in London – but he wanted to reach out to the couple to let them know of his intention.

An appeal shared in the Gazette on Thursday, September 3, attracted a huge response from readers keen to solve the mystery – but it was

one keen-eyed reader who recognised the couple and told them to reach out to the photographer.

Now, we can confirm that the couple are Gerald and Valerie Beech from South Shields, who have now contacted Mr Bernstein to give him permission to include their names in the exhibition.

Mr Beech, 79, said: "We were just walking along when we saw Keith standing there with his camera on a tripod and as we walked back up again, I said to him, ‘I hope you caught us smiling for the photo!’”

Mr Beech said the interaction ‘made their day’ but the couple thought nothing more of it until a friend from Valerie’s sewing group spotted them in the paper.

“Keith is a lovely gent and we had a nice conversation,” Mr Beech said.

"He made our day. I emailed him directly and he sent us a copy of the photo.”

Born in South Africa, Mr Bernstein married South Shields native Julie Macdonald and has visited the town many times over the years to see relatives.

Mr Bernstein has photographed many high-profile figures, including Nelson Mandela, and worked in film and television and on set with stars including Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood.

Overjoyed to find the couple following his search, he said: “For me it’s great that they’ve come forward.

"I really like the picture and, judging by the Gazette’s Facebook page, it’s had a good response – which I never expected.

"It really completes the story for me to be able to contact the couple.”

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