The week Wearside became a winter wonderland of snow

We had a sprinkling of snow at Christmas, but Wearside had to wait until the week before Valentine’s Day before seeing a real blanket of the white stuff. Here are some wintry scenes.

A man with three rare diseases has arranged for Sunderland landmarks to be lit for a good cause – from the other side of the world.

Andrew Bannister, 29, lives in Perth, Australia, and was diagnosed with three rare diseases when he was aged 17.

It means he now lives with periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH), a neuronal migration disorder which can cause seizures and more; polymicrogyria, a condition characterised by abnormal development of the brain before birth and cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition in which the cerebellum is smaller than usual or not completely developed.

Few have heard of the conditions and to raise awareness of these and other rare conditions, Andrew began championing World Rare Disease Day, which this year takes place on February 28.

Last year, the European and USA Rare Disease organisations had landmarks such as Empire State Building in New York, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Leaning Tower of Pisa and Colosseum in Rome lit for Rare Disease Day and Andrew himself arranged for 35 landmarks around Australia and the rest of the world to be lit.

This year he’s almost doubled that and has arranged for 62 to be lit, including seven in Sunderland after he contacted Sunderland City Council.

On February 28, Penshaw Monument, Northern Spire Bridge, Keel Square, High Street West, Market Square, Fulwell Mill and Hylton Castle will be lit in pink, green, blue and purple which are the colours of the Rare Disease logo.

Andrew said: “I am very proud that all these landmarks across the world are lighting up because it raises awareness of rare diseases.

"It is important to do this so that people who live with a rare disease feel that they are not isolated, it helps to raise money for research and to remember those who have passed away from a rare disease.

"On Monday I listened to a Podcast about a family in the UK whose son has a rare disease and it makes feel so proud that I am doing my bit to raise awareness for rare diseases.”

He added: "I look forward to seeing all the landmarks and buildings in Sunderland lit up.”

Freddy having fun in the snow at Herrington Country Park following the coldest night in 10 years.

Snowy Whitburn wouldn’t look out of place on a Christmas card.

Hardy souls head up to Penshaw Monument through the snow.

Youngsters have fun playing in the snow at Barnes Park.

Walking in Herrington Country Park.

Snowdrops in the snow at Whitburn.

A swan in Herrington Country Park.

Winter in Herrington Country Park.

Walking in the snow at Whitburn.

Andrew Banister contacted Sunderland City Council from Perth, Australia