Passers-by at Tynemouth Longsands would have been shocked to see Newcastle United's first-team squad training on the beach on Thursday morning as Alan Pardew gave his players a change of scenery.

The manager decided to swap the green grass of the Benton training centre for the golden sands of the coast - and judging by the smiles on the lads' faces, they do like to be beside the seaside.

Despite the different surroundings, the same competitive edge remained - as John Carver discovered when he refereed a game of head tennis and allowed play to continue despite the ball hitting the net to spark strong words from both sides!

Joining the team on the beach was Club Photographer Ian Horrocks, with the long-serving lensman bringing nufc.co.uk this exclusive training gallery with a difference.