Strong Winds Batter Roker - Sunderland

The weathermen called it the Pest from the West, following on from the Beast from the East. Strong westerly winds hit north east England, but the accompanying sunshine was a welcome break from the recent grey skies.

Swirling sandstorm surrounds dogwalkers

Blown spray over crashing waves before Roker pier.

Canon 5DII 70-200 f4

Herrington Park - Sunderland

When the sun shines you can get some lovely shots of Penshaw Monument, seen across the various lakes in Herrington Country Park. But when it is dull, you need to adopt a different strategy, in this case some Photoshop gimmickry.

My eye was taken by this row of  terraced houses with the flags flying in the gardens. Sited not far from where the pithead once stood, presumably they were originally miners' dwellings.

I suspect that a supporter of Sunderland football club might live here.

The shot of the monument is available to purchase on Alamy D1CC1F

Canon 5DII

Floods in Durham City

Actually at the end of November, but I have just got around to uploading these photos

A police officer checks the depth of the water alongside the ministry building. Some members of staff had their cars within the car park - safely out of reach of the water, but unable to get out through the flood.

Flooding seen from the other side of the river

These and similar photos are available for purchase at Alamy

Canon 5DII 24-105 f4

Tynemouth Flea Market

The newly restored station roof at Tynemouth allows much more space for the weekend market that is held there.

It's worth going just to see the roof!

Exotic cheeses

Nice roof but no central heating!

Canon 5DII 24-105L