High winds end Angel celebrations

The structure is 20m (66ft) high

Hundreds of party goers were sent home from the Angel of the North as high winds battered celebrations marking the iconic structure's 10th birthday.

The event, billed as the North East's biggest free party, was called off on Sunday on the advice of Gateshead Council safety officers.

Live bands and other acts had entertained the crowd but the party was cut short with four hours remaining.

A council spokesman said the worsening gales made it "too risky" to continue.

He said: "We had to abandon the event on the advice of the safety officer because of high winds.

"It's a great shame that the event couldn't be completed but in such freak weather conditions the safety of the public is our main concern."

About 2,000 had attended the event before it was called off.