Relaxed evening beach parties, bikinis, barbecues and a sunset surf.

You could be forgiven for thinking these shots were taken in California, Australia or Thailand.

But this was the North East as Britain sweltered through its hottest day on record.

Crowds packed to Tynemouth Longsands beach on Tuesday and just kept coming.

The Northern Echo: 'Chuck another shrimp on the barbie''Chuck another shrimp on the barbie'

The mercury hit a high of 30 degrees Celsius between 3pm and 4pm, but did not drop below ‘scorchio’ until late at night.

When the sun set at around 9.30pm it was still 24 degrees, meaning people could still paddle in the (still freezing) North Sea and enjoy the warm weather.

The Northern Echo: The beach attracted people until late on TuesdayThe beach attracted people until late on Tuesday

It was not until 3am on Wednesday that the temperature fell below 20 degrees.

Pictures taken here by North News photographer Will Walker show how busy the beach was.

Not your average Tuesday night in Tynemouth.

The Northern Echo: Tynemouth Longsands beach on Tuesday evening Tynemouth Longsands beach on Tuesday evening

The Northern Echo: Paddling in the North SeaPaddling in the North Sea

The Northern Echo: Fun as the sun goes down Fun as the sun goes down

The Northern Echo: The North East's stunning coastline The North East's stunning coastline

 

Read more: Endangered duck given new lease of life as it breeds succesfully in North East

--- 

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054