Restrictions imposed on nearly 2 million people in north-east England after rise in coronavirus cases
Just behind Littlehaven beach, as dog walkers and holidaymakers walk along the promenade, a steady stream of people are being handed testing kits at a Covid mobile testing unit.
The large van, manned by about six people in hi-vis vests, has been at the seafront car park since the early morning, on a day when the area and those surrounding it are facing the strictest measures imposed since the UK eased out of nationwide lockdown.