South Tyneside Mayor gets set for annual Sunday parade

South Tyneside will be following tradition this weekend by coming together for the annual Mayor's Sunday Parade.

Local people are invited to join South Tyneside’s new Mayor, Coun Olive Punchion, and her Mayoress, Mary French, civic dignitaries and uniformed organisations, for the colourful Mayor’s Sunday procession and service taking place on Sunday.

The parade marks the start of Coun Punchion’s role as first citizen of the borough.

The new Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Olive Punchion and Mrs Mary French.

It will also involve a range of groups including the 22nd South Shields Brownsea Scouts, Durham Light Infantry and the Royal British Legion.

The procession will march from South Shields Town Hall at noon to St Hilda’s Church in the Market Place.

The service starts at 12:30pm and will be conducted by Father Chris Fuller.

The Mayor said: “Mayor’s Sunday gives us a chance to reflect upon the things we would like to achieve during our year of office and ask for a blessing on the work of the Mayor’s Office and the local authority.

“It is a real privilege to take part in this wonderful tradition.

“It is also a great opportunity for the borough to come together to celebrate the many wonderful things about South Tyneside.”

Hundreds of people are expected to join the parade.

There will be some road closures in place along the march route.