Ana Guerra-Moore
BBC News Online

Our coverage is now over for the day - thank you for joining us.

There will be more updates throughout the night on BBC Tees, BBC Newcastle, Look North and online.

We'll be back at 08:00 tomorrow with more news, sport, weather and travel.

If you would like to contact us you can using Twitter, external, Facebook, external, or via email at northeast.locallive@bbc.co.uk.  

Organisers of Durham's Lumiere Festival are looking for people to design one of the exhibits, using light.

The event will once again see some of the city's best known buildings and landmarks illuminated when it returns in November.

The competition to become Lumiere's next artist is open to anyone from, or currently living in the North East.

BBC Weather

Any lingering outbreaks of rain through the evening will soon clear eastwards, with clouds breaking.

A mostly dry night is then expected, with clear spells.

However it will stay breezy with a few showers possible, mainly across the western hills.

Check the weather where you are.

A 71-year-old woman from Middlesbrough has been reported missing.

Rosalyn Woodwark, known as Lynn, was last seen at about 11:30 in Alderwood, Coulby Newham.

She is about 5ft 5in and was wearing glasses, a black coat and blue jeans with sequins on them when she went missing.

Image source, CLEVELAND POLICE

The Shields Gazette

Residents have taken to social media in a bid to convince council decision makers to save a South Tyneside Community Centre., external

Image source, SHIELDS GAZETTE

BBC Travel

There's one lane blocked and heavy traffic on the A19 southbound in Cramlington at the Moor Farm Roundabout, because of an accident involving a car and a lorry.

More travel updates here.

Two people have been found dead in Blyth this week and police believe that their deaths were drug related, 

Northumbria Police say heroin currently in circulation in the area is likely to be a factor.

Det Insp Jon Bensley said: "We are investigating these deaths and while we are treating both deaths as isolated incidents which do not appear to be connected, we want to alert people to this danger and make sure we do everything to warn people of the risks of such drug use."

On Tuesday a 27-year-old man was found dead.

The following day officers were called to a house in the town at a separate address and the body of a 35-year-old man 35 was found.

Mike Ashley's Sports Direct has bought an 11% stake in French Connection.

The Newcastle United owner has previously bought stakes in Debenhams, JD Sports and privately owned House of Fraser.

French Connection said in a statement: "We note that Sports Direct has taken long-term significant stakes in a number of British retailers in recent years, and see this investment as a vote of confidence in the true potential of our company. We look forward to working with them more in the future."

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Newcastle

Work by engineers continues on the Newcastle Quayside as they restore gas supplies to about 100 businesses and homes.

About 200,000 litres of water has now been pumped from the gas network after a water main burst near the Tyne Bridge on Sunday.

Compensation is being offered to those affected.

A Newcastle street was sealed this afternoon after reports of people being seen with firearms.

Police were called to Croydon Road in the Arthur's Hill area int he city's west end.

Northumbria Police said two properties were searched and four arrests made. Two air rifles were recovered. 

A suspected arson attack at a property in Stockton left a man in hospital, police say.

The 40-year-old occupant of the house on Westbourne Street was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, where he was treated for smoke inhalation after the fire on 27 January.

Image source, Google

Hartlepool Mail
Newspaper

 An appeal has been launched in a bid to trace the family of a Hartlepool man ahead of his funeral next week., external

BBC Tees
www.bbc.co.uk/BBCTees

Popularity of freerunning has been growing across the North East.

This is what it's all about:

BBC Travel

An abnormal load has been reported on the A19 northbound between the A179 junction in Sheraton and the A182 Hall Walks junction in Easington Colliery.

Expect delays.  

You can find the latest travel updates here.

BBC Sport

Middlesbrough boss  Aitor Karanka has been speaking to the media ahead of Boro's trip to Tottenham on Saturday.

He says deadline day signing Adlene Guedioura, brought in from Watford on Tuesday, could be involved.

"It’s an important signing, and he wants to be with us," he said of the Algerian midfielder.

Image source, Getty Images

Karanka is unconcerned by Middlesbrough's position in the Premier League, insisting the spirit of his side gives him reason to stay positive. 

Boro are just two points clear of the bottom three despite moving up a place to 15th after coming from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against West Brom on Tuesday night.

"I can't demand anything more from them because they've done every single thing," he said.

BBC Travel

The Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough is closed between the Vulcan Street junction and the A1046 Port Clarence Road junction, because of strong winds.

More travel updates here.

The body of a man has been found in an alleyway in Middlesbrough.

The alleyway between Peel Street and Palmer Street and a part of Percy Street has been closed off.

Police are yet to establish the identity of the man and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Norma Bell had the "heart of a lion", her family said.

The 79-year-old, who had fostered more than 50 children, was found in her burning home in Westbourne Road, Hartlepool, in April.

Gareth DAck was jailed this morning for life with a minimum of 33 years.

Sunderland Echo
Newspaper

A Sunderland neighbourhood has rallied round to raise funds for the family of Michael Doda, external after his tragic death.  

Image source, SUNDERLAND ECHO

Almost 1,400 men claim they were abused at the former youth detention centre near Consett.