I DO enjoy the photographs that are sent in by readers of The Northern Echo which are now being published in HAS.

There have been some stunning shots recently, particularly the photo by Chris Kemp of the Priory up in Tynemouth on a cold and windy day (HAS, Feb 24).

There really are some beautiful locations in the North- East and these photos prove it.

The last time I visited Tynemouth Priory I was amazed at its features but the history of the place is quite upsetting, as monks and the nuns of St Hilda were massacred there by the Danes in 865AD and there does seem to be a creepy atmosphere around the grounds once it gets dark during the winter months. I often visit this part of England and no matter how many times I visit the stunning coastline, I am always taken aback by its historic beauty while enjoying a lightly battered cod, with an unhurried saunter back to the Priory ruins from Cullercoats.

I just wish that I paid more attention to history when I was at school, as we really do live in a special part of the world.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.