Saltburn braced for natural drama event...

Saltburn is bracing itself for the devastating impact of a tsunami hitting its shoreline - but residents and day-trippers have nothing to fear.

For the natural disaster set to hit Saltburn next week will only be a simulation as part of a stunning new Sky TV and National Geographic Channel series showcasing the darker side of Mother Nature.

The four-part Storm City series, which will air in the summer, has been filmed on locations throughout the world and sets in Canada and the UK.

And Saltburn's dramatic coastline will be the venue for a tsunami recreation on Monday, March 19, and Tuesday, March 20.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council today confirmed that the town's historic pier will be closed to the public throughout Monday and during the day on Tuesday to allow the filming to take place.

Presenter Ben Fogle will be in Saltburn on Tuesday as the Pioneer Productions team uses advanced engineering technology and science to recreate the impact of natural forces.

A giant water tank on the pier will demonstrate how a tsunami is created, while a car on the beach will be washed away to reveal the ferocious impact of the natural phenomenon when it hits land.

A crane, bowser and location vehicles will be on the promenade, while a safe footpath has been created to allow pedestrians' access to watch the filming take place.

Councillor George Dunning, Leader of the Council, said: "Our fantastic coastline makes for a great setting and we have many requests for filming along it.

"This is one of the biggest and most ambitious projects we have accommodated and we look forward to seeing the finished film."