From March 1 Newbiggin beach became a dog free zone and control orders were set to come into effect for the promenade.

But angry dog owners who disagreed with Wansbeck District Council's decision turned up in force and marched in protest.

Around 200 people attended the protest, which did see some people walk on the beach with their dogs, however, the council did not issue any fines.

Organiser Colin Hawkshaw, of Meldon Terrace in Newbiggin, was delighted with the turn out.

He said: "There was a lot more people there than I expected.

"It went very well, and some people did go on the beach, but that was up to them.

"We are trying to get a review of the decision and MP Denis Murphy was there."

The protesters gathered together at the promenade and marched towards the boat house, some holding placards saying "No to total ban of dogs on beach" and "dogs have rights too".

Mr Hawkshaw said protesters were annoyed because no one has listened to what people want.

"We had a 1,024 signed petition and 60 objection letters against the decision and there was 133 for the ban, but they still went ahead with it," he said.

"We just want part of the beach over the winter.

"I don't think the people of Newbiggin have been able to have their say.

"We will see about a review, but the next step after that would be legal action and we just don't have the funds for it.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us."

A spokesperson for Wansbeck Council said: "Staff had approached people who had taken their dogs on the beach on Saturday morning during the protest to remind them that they were breaking the law, in an attempt to service fixed penalty notices.

"However, when it became clear people were unco-operative and in some cases abusive to staff, it was decided to allow the protest to take place peacefully without incident, which is what in fact happened.

"After making their protest people left the beach.

"Staff were on duty throughout the weekend but had no occasion to serve any fixed penalty notices because no one was seen on the beach with a dog.

"From that evidence it appears the people are prepared to observe the order and if that is the case, Wansbeck Council thanks them for their co-operation.

"Over the weekend people have also approached staff to voice their support for the decision that the council's regulatory committee took to bring in the Dog Control Order banning dogs from the beach and requiring owners to keep their pets under control on leads on the promenade, and clean up any mess they make.

"Dog owners are reminded that the order is now operational and it will be enforced by the council.

"Anyone seen with a dog on the beach will be liable to be served with a fixed penalty notice.

"The enforcement of the order will be monitored in the coming weeks and months and reported to the regulatory committee."