GATESHEAD’S Millennium Bridge shone brightly in purple on Sunday to launch the Stroke Association’s annual awareness month.

Make May Purple is designed to raise awareness of the impact of strokes and to share information and advice on how to help prevent the condition across the country.

A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain.

There are around 152,000 strokes in the country every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability.

On Sunday evening, Stroke Association staff and volunteers posed in front of the award-winning structure as it was lit up in purple to celebrate the month.

The charity’s regional director Peter Moore said: “It was fantastic to see Gateshead Millennium Bridge turn purple to raise awareness of Make May Purple. We hope it will help put the spotlight on stroke.

“This year we’re calling the local community to get involved. Whether you chose to hold a bake sale, take part in an event or get sponsored to dye your hair, there are so many easy ways to show your support.

“It’s all about having fun, getting people talking about Make May Purple, and raising vital funds so that we can be there for more people affected by stroke.”

To find out more visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple