Northern Gas Networks is renewing more than five kilometres of gas pipe in the town as part of a multi-million pound programme of investment across the region.

The first part of the work, to replace almost three kilometres of old pipeline in eight streets around Seatonville Road, is already complete.

Engineers are now replacing 2.3 kilometres of pipeline in 13 streets around Holywell Avenue, which is expected to take until mid June.

Northern Gas Networks owns all the gas mains in the north east, Yorkshire and northern Cumbria and, together with its operating partner United Utilities, runs the region's gas emergency service.

Network director Chris Gorman said the work in Whitley Bay and Monkseaton was essential for the safety and reliability of local gas supplies.

He said: "Our new pipes are made of plastic, which is more durable and flexible than traditional pipes.

"Once in the ground the new mains should have a life-span of around 80 years".

Northern Gas Networks spends more than £60m a year renewing gas mains to make sure its system remains one of the safest in the world.

This year alone almost 530km of its 36,000km network will be made of brand new pipe.