A POP-up beach has high street shoppers soaking up the sun and sand while supporting town centre retailers.

Deck chairs and inflatables signalled the arrival of the annual urban beach event over the weekend, which will remain set up in the centre of Stockton until Sunday, August 26.

Karen Eve, centre manager of Castlegate Shopping Centre and Stockton BID board director, said: “The campaign has evolved to Buy At Stockton-By-The-Sea in response to the current challenges facing Stockton town centre’s businesses.

"We are hoping that people will come into town and buy locally, whether shopping for clothes, groceries or a on a lunch break, and support the many retailers and businesses.

"By adding value to the shopping experience, we hope that when people visit the beach, that collectively, spending in the area will go some way to tackling the challenges ahead for Stockton and support businesses that rely on local trade."