Tynemouth's outdoor swimming pool is to be transformed into a visitor attraction after the local authority said it was "not commercially viable" to reopen the facility.

North Tyneside elected mayor Linda Arkley said bringing the venue back into use as a swimming pool would require "substantial" investment, along with continued funding for maintenance and operational costs.

Arkley said the new attraction would provide "spectacular" coastline views, as well as providing the opportunity to participate in arts and sports activities and to offer children’s play facilities.

"With this scheme have a realistic opportunity to get financial support from the government's Coastal Communities Fund," said Arkley.

Click here for North Tyneside elected mayor Linda Arkley’s full statement and click here for local campaigners' Facebook page.