The music legend popped into Colmans of South Shields for a spot of fish and chips.

He was visiting the area for the annual South Shields Lecture, organised by the town’s former MP and Foreign Secretary David Miliband, on Friday.

Earlier in the evening the multi-platinum selling superstar performed songs from his back catalogue, answered questions and told of his upbringing in the North East at the talk held at nearby Harton Technology College.

It’s become tradition that Mr Miliband, who now resides in New York, brings guests to his favourite restaurant and in the past few years has introduced the likes of Hollywood A-lister Patrick Stewart, former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams to its charms.

Owner Richard Ord said: "It’s absolutely fantastic that Mr Miliband still brings these huge names to South Shields and we feel extremely fortunate that he chooses to bring them to our restaurant.

"Sting enjoyed fish and chips with mushy peas and he loved them. He spent a lot of time with people and everyone thought he was great.

"We are delighted Sting, David and their guest enjoyed their meals – empty plates are what we always like to see in our restaurant.

"The Lecture is always a fantastic event in the South Shields calendar and this year certainly didn’t disappoint.”

Mr Miliband took to Twitter afterwards to say: "Huge thanks to @ColmansSeafood for prize Fish and Chips. @OfficialSting.”

Colmans, which is situated in Ocean Road in the seaside town of South Shields, is an award-winning restaurant and take away and is a hit with many other famous faces including Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, former Olympic medallist and Great North Run founder Brendan Foster, Coronation Street legend Liz Dawn, best-selling author Bill Bryson and many famous chefs and food critics.

For more information about the eatery visit www.colmansfishandchips.com or follow them on Twitter @ColmansSeafood.