Peter Harris

Plastic pellets, or nurdles, washed onto beaches across South Shields, Northumberland and Sunderland after a vessel struck a container at the Port of Tyne. Protesters fear the material could harm birds, fish, dolphins and other wildlife and argue that cleanup efforts are too slow. Public health risk is considered low, but people are advised not to handle the pellets and to keep dogs on leads. The Environment Agency is investigating, while North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has called for the owners of the vessels involved to fund the cleanup.

Students from Mo Mowlam Academy collaborated with street artist ZX8BIT to design a mural celebrating Redcar’s industrial heritage, now displayed near Redcar Station. The project, intended to inspire youth and foster community connection, has energized pupils who described feeling proud and included. Additional murals have been created within the school, with another planned for the seafront.