Hoppings gets off to a sizzling start

THERE could hardly have been a better start for what is a highlight of the summer in Newcastle.

- By BARBARA HODGSON

Glorious sunshine welcomed the return of The Hoppings, which after days of taking shape on the Town Moor, had its official opening yesterday afternoon.

And if the day's rocketing temperatures are anything to go by, this heralds the start of 10 days of fun in the sun, fingers crossed.

The annual fair, as regulars will know, has not often been blessed with good weather in the past - not that a spell of rain has ever deterred the crowds who turn out every year for a share of high-octane thrills.