The striking off-shore artwork was once again in the limelight as it was blessed by Reverend Judith Grieve, of St Bartholomew's Church.

A scaled-down version of Couple was used in the ceremony, in which the figures had sea salt thrown over them before a crowd of on-lookers.

The recently recharged beach provided a picturesque backdrop to the blessing, despite the wet weather.

The replica version of the sculpture will now become a permanent fixture in Vernon Place.

London based artist, Sean Henry, who dreamt up the iconic twosome, was amongst the gathering who listened to Reverend Grieve talk about what the regeneration of the entire bay meant for the village.

Following the ceremony, a select gathering enjoyed lunch at the Newbiggin Sailing Club and listened to speeches from Wansbeck MP Denis Murphy, civic head of Wansbeck District Council, Alex Wallace and the executive director of Arts Council England North East, Mark Robinson.

Mr Henry later watched local schoolchildren read poems and perform music inspired by the sculpture.

The afternoon's entertainment also included dramatic interpretations inspired by Couple, from Create - a creative organisation based in Wansbeck.