Swimmers took a freezing cold dip in the North Sea this morning (Sunday, April 21) with a stunning sunrise as a backdrop.

These photographs were captured at Longsands Beach, Tynemouth, with the silhouette of bulk carrier PRT ACE ship on the horizon.

The Met Office is forecasting a cloudy day across the region with outbreaks of rain spreading south. It will be feeling chilly.The Northern Echo: Sunrise at Longsands Beach, Tynemouth

Today

A dry and bright start in the south. Cloud soon thickening with outbreaks of light rain and drizzle across northern areas gradually spreading southwards. Rain becoming more persistent across Northumberland by late afternoon. Light winds. Temperatures below average. Maximum temperature 8 °C.

Tonight

Rain and drizzle will spread across all areas by the evening before slowly pushing southwards. Drier across the far north by dawn but remaining widely cloudy. Light winds. Minimum temperature 5 °C.The Northern Echo: Sunrise at Longsands Beach, Tynemouth

Monday

A damp and cloudy day with rain, mostly light, persisting across the region. Rain clearing away overnight. Winds remaining light with temperatures near normal or just below average. Maximum temperature 11 °C.

Don't miss out on the latest news and stories. Subscribe to the The Northern Echo for just £5 for 5 months. Click here


The Northern Echo:

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday

Often cloudy Tuesday and Wednesday with isolated showers, these more frequent further east. Fresh winds, particularly towards coasts. Changeable Thursday with bright spells and scattered showers. Temperatures below average.The Northern Echo: