CAR parks throughout the Northumberland National Park were flooded with visitors over the bank holiday weekend as tourists took advantage of the sunny weather.

The Northumberland National Park Authority said popular tourist areas within the park were "very busy" making social distancing an issue at Hareshaw Linn, in Bellingham, as well as various car parks along Hadrian's Wall.

On Friday, the national park asked people planning to come to the countryside to take extra measures to stay safe, to show care and consideration for the park, local communities and other visitors.

Following the Government’s easing of lockdown and the recent hot weather, a large number of visitors have visited the countryside, including areas of the National Park.

There have been reported cases of people congregating at some busy sites, causing difficulties with social distancing, including lighting barbecues, littering, and camping out overnight.

Northumberland County Council also reopened car parks throughout the county including at Corbridge village.

Coun. Glen Sanderson, the cabinet member for local services, said: “We want to reiterate that while lockdown is easing slightly, the pandemic is by no means over.

"It was vital we took a cautious approach and kept our car parks closed until we fully assessed it is safe to open them.

“We would ask that if people do travel somewhere to exercise, to be respectful and sensible and not block roads where people live.”