So to kick-start the new year, we called on photographers across South Tyneside to send in their favourite pictures, which could feature as the cover image on the Gazette’s Facebook page in the coming weeks.
We received so many brilliant entries, we thought they would be a great way to brighten up the start of 2023 as families return to the everyday routine of work and school after the festive period drew to a close.
Thank you to everyone who submitted a photograph. You can add your own to the post here, and it may feature as a Facebook cover image in due course. Feast your eyes on some beautiful scenery in our round-up below.

. NPGZ Pics to start year collage NEP Upload.jpg
Celebrating the new year with a collection of fantastic pictures by the Shields Gazette readers. Photo: UGC

. Red sky in the morning ...
Shepherd's warning! A sunrise at Souter - and what a sunrise it is. Photo: Steven Lomas

. Squirrel Nutkin
Taking a snack break in Marine Park - and caught on camera, no less. Photo: Photography SM

9. Snow day
The recent snowy weather may have left us feeling the chill, but it did make for some pretty scenes. Photo: SJP Photography