A cruise ship that had docked at the Port of Tyne was accompanied into open waters by a playful marine guard of honour.
When the 'Balmoral' sailed out of the Tyne on May 2 it did so surrounded by a pod of dolphins, enjoying the waves created by the large vessel.
These fantastic images showing them 'bow riding' at the front of the ship were captured by dolphin-spotter Vicki Sinclair. The perfectly-timed pictures were captured from the pier at South Shields and show the ship as it heads out into the ocean.
