police are taking part in a large-scale exercise this weekend to test their response to a major incident.

The exercise is one of a series run throughout the year by the Northumbria force to deal with potential problems at areas such as the airport, one of the region's ports, or on the Metro rail system.

The exercise started in Tynemouth yesterday and is expected to last into the early hours of this morning.

Tynemouth Priory and Castle will be closed to the public until noon on Sunday.

Chief Superintendent Bob Pattison, head of operational support, said: "This is one of a number of routine exercises organised to test how we deal with an incident which demands a large police presence.

"Although a large number of officers will be involved, this weekend's rest days have been cancelled so there are enough staff available to deal with any real-life emergencies.

"We will keep disruption to a minimum but I would ask for the cooperation of the public in these areas for the relatively short time we will be in the area."