Residents say the crossing could cause parking issues and affect property values.

As well as offering fun at the beach, the Spreading the Happiness charity provides meals and snacks.

"The numbers follow an improving year-on-year trend," says Durham Wildlife Trust's warden.

The first beach school sessions were held in Seaton Carew during May's half-term break.

Hartlepool Borough Council approved the festival's temporary event application.

The government previously identified an algal bloom as the cause, but many fishermen disagree.

The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee will investigate the mass die-offs along the coast.

A minister says they will study a report which claims toxic chemicals caused mass shellfish deaths.