What are the rules for having a barbecue in the North East's parks and beaches?

It’s that time of year.

There’s been a flicker of sunshine so disposable barbecues and bags of charcoal are piled up outside petrol stations as the North East gets its grill on.

The scent of charred food and smoke is as much a part of summer as beer gardens and brief interests in tennis.

With a plethora of scenic parks and breathtaking beaches, it’s no surprise many of us opt to pick up a throwaway barbecue, gather our pals and head to the nearest beauty spot.

But there are rules about where you can and can’t light up the BBQ.

The council discourages BBQs in public spaces, but has issued guidelines for anyone who uses one.