North East music legend Sting took a special ride on the Shields Ferry during a return home to his roots.
The ferry crew sprang into action when Sting asked to hire a vessel at short notice to take him on a joourney down the Tyne from the bridges to the sea - the first time he had ever made such a trip.
He was travelling with Tony award-winning US playwright Brian Yorkee, who is believed to be working with the rock star on a new play set in North East England.
The Spirit of the Tyne picked up Sting on Newcastle Quayside for a journey down past the Baltic, Spiller's Wharf, the shipyards of Hebburn and Wallsend, Jarrow Slake and historic St Paul's Church, Tyne Dock and out to the piers of the river mouth before docking at North Shields.
The Pride of the Tyne, meanwhile, maintained normal passenger service on a crossing that has been operating 700 years.
You don't have to be Sting to book your own personal trip on the Shields Ferry. Nexus, which runs the service, makes it available for private hire for social and charity events and family celebrations. For details click here.