It is with a heavy heart that the team of volunteers, trustees and staff at the Old Low Light acknowledge and mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and wishes are with the Royal Family at this difficult time.

As a mark of respect during this period of mourning our social media channels will fall silent, unless we need to announce any changes to our programme of events or opening arrangement.

We know many people will want to meet friends and family, take comfort in companionship and company. As a result, we have decided to keep to our current opening hours of 10am to 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Tomorrow’s talk by Susan Lynn will go ahead at 11am, but we will hold a minute’s silence at the start of the talk in memory of Her Majesty.

Nationally Heritage Open Days have decided to go ahead. We will therefore also continue to take part in this community driven celebration of the nation’s heritage.

The Queen opening the Tyne Tunnel in 1967.