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A protest by a fathers’ rights activist from Heaton who climbed up the Tyne Bridge has reached its fifth day.

Father-of-five Simon Anderton, from Heaton, scaled Newcastle’s iconic landmark on Fathers Day with a Real Fathers For Justice banner “to raise awareness of the tens of thousands of children that are unable to see their dads.”

The 56-year-old grandfather, who lives with his elderly mother, has still not been talked down by police.

On Thursday morning, police said they are continuing to monitor the situation.

The footpath to the eastern side of the bridge remains closed and will not reopen until after the protest has finished.

Earlier this week, Simon said he has never been happier adding: “Thanks to everyone who has been waving at me from the Quayside, thanks to the cars and vans beeping their horns in support.

“I hope the protest is making a difference and people are talking about the issues.”

Real Fathers’ For Justice (RFFJ) co-founder Leigh Davison said he was in regular contact with Simon and that he was “in good spirits.”

He added: “I’ve never met a more tenacious guy - he is determined to stay up as long as possible to keep people talking about the issues

“Simon has undergone basic training on using ropes and a harness to ensure he remains safe at all times, he has plenty of water and supplies to remain up there for many more days.”

The RFFJ is calling for “a more collaborative solution” to family law.

Simon said he has a camping stove on the bridge with him so he is able to have cups of tea alongside the ration packs he took with him.

He claims he has enough supplies on the bridge with him to last for weeks.