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A NEW beach-front attraction has been given the green light at a popular UK seaside town that has been named one of the best that the country has to offer.
A couple of years ago, South Shields' Sandhaven Beach was named the best in the UK, with the North East bay topping the Beach of the Year list in the Sunday Times.
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It offers soft sands and clean blue waters, making it a perfect spot to hang out on a warm summer's day.
After topping the list, South Tyneside's leader Tracey Dixon told The "Our natural assets are there for everyone to enjoy.
"We sometimes overlook what is right on our doorstep and which sets us apart from other areas.”
Now, the town's seaside offerings are set to increase, with the construction of a brand new adventure golf attraction.
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Plans for a dinosaur-themed putting course were submitted back in March.
And now South Tyneside Council’s planning department has given them their approval.
The attraction is to be built on a piece of land has most recently been used to host a seasonal observation wheel and junior driving school.
A computer-generated concept image shows that the course will feature dinosaur statues, a connecting bridge, water features and several putting holes.
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Overall there will be three of the animatronic creatures, while the course will consist of 12 holes.
It will sit alongside the Ocean Beach Amusement Park and Oasis Amusements, with the latter picking up an award last year.
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It claimed bronze at the UK Theme Park Awards in the Best Seaside Park category.
Residents have received the news with enthusiasm, with one telling the council it would be an asset to the area.
The Shields Gazette reports that they said it would “be an asset to our seafront [and] a lovely modern new attraction to bring new excitement to South Shields”.
It will add to the recreation options on offer at South Shields, with plenty of sports activities available on the beach.
The best beaches of the North East
The North East is a great place to find some long stretches of underrated shoreline.
I was born in Northumberland, so know the beaches in the area very well and would certainly recommend it to people looking for sandy bays that go on for miles and miles.
My favourite in the area is Druridge Bay, a long sweeping sandy beach, backed by towering dunes and a nature reserve with great bird watching opportunities.
However, I'm also a huge fan of Bamburgh, with its dramatic castle providing a unique scenic backdrop for sunbathers making the most of warm summer's days.
Further down the coast, Tynemouth is home to one of the greatest beach-front cafes, with Crusoe's serving wonderful food and drinks right on the sand.
Visitors can place their order, take a seat and watch the surfers while enjoying a relaxing drink, or a spot of lunch.
Another favourite spot is Seahouses, with its arcades and chip shops making it a great place for a day out by the sea.
There are also seal and puffin watching boat trips that leave the harbour, taking people to discover some of the region's wildlife.
wrote: "It's a great spot to enjoy a game of volleyball (volleyball nets are in place during the summer), frisbee, football and other beach games.
"You can also have a go at some watersports, South Shields Surf School offers lessons in paddle boarding or surfing as well as equipment hire if you don't want a lesson."
For those interested in heading out for a seaside stroll, there are plenty of places to do that too.
added: "There's a lovely promenade that stretches the length of the seafront and along to the scenic clifftop paths.
"Alongside the beach is also Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, The Dunes and South Marine Park with its miniature steam railway, as well as a number of seaside restaurants, cafes or pubs."
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