THE weather may have been a wash-out this weekend, but that didn’t stop people making the most of the region’s summer events.

Families took the wind and showers in their stride as they turned out for a sponsored walk to raise money for the Great North Children’s Hospital.

The walkers followed a five-mile route around Leazes Park, Newcastle, yesterday and were led by Miss Newcastle, Hannah Gray.

The 19-year-old from Ponteland said: “I’m pleased to see so many people here, never mind the rain.”

It may not have been a perfect day for building sandcastles, but that didn’t stop people having fun on the beach.

The beach at Tynemouth became the venue for a game of rugby, attracting players of all ages.

Meanwhile, six of the UK’s top trial bike riders descended on the Centre for Life in Newcastle yesterday to showcase their skills as part of the KX Urban Thrills League.

And popular children’s author Robert Muchamore paid a visit to Newcastle’s Seven Stories, to meet his young fans.

Elsewhere, music lovers were treated to a mini-festival at the Cluny 2 in Ouseburn, Newcastle.

The venue played host to around 15 local bands throughout yesterday afternoon and evening.

The acts had been due to perform at the Ignition Festival, but organisers were forced to cancel the event at the last minute.