Candidate takes plunge to kick start campaign

AN independent candidate for North Tyneside's mayoral election swam across the Tyne on Friday to kick start his campaign.

- By AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE

Candidate Martin Henry Uren, following the all-clear from the Port Authority and with a safety boat in tow, began his odyssey from the Herd Groyne Lighthouse in South Shields at around 3:15pm, arriving at the cove next to the Tynemouth RNLI Lifeboat Station.

The 55-year-old taxi driver completed the crossing in around 20 minutes, though felt disappointed he didn't complete the swim in eight minutes. As Mr Urwen emerged from the water, he told gathered friends and supporters: “Next time, I’m going to use the ferry!”