The Conservatives have taken control of Northumberland County Council, with a majority of one.

A dead heat in two of the seats led to a ballot draw - effectively drawing straws - a repeat of the 2017 elections, at which the Tories then lost over all control.

Votes are still being counted in Northumberland.

Fergus Hewison
BBC Newcastle political reporter

Labour avoids losing overall control of Sunderland City Council, but only just.

It finishes the night having lost nine seats.

The council political composition is now Labour 42, Conservatives 18 (up six), Liberal Democrats 12 (up four, UKIP three (no gains, not defending any seats).

Results and reaction from the Hartlepool by-election, PCC, council and Tees Valley Mayor counts.

Good morning and welcome to the start of our live coverage of the election results in the North East and Cumbria.

To start you off here is a round-up of what has happened overnight.

• The result of the Hartlepool by-election is expected to be declared shortly but Labour's shadow transport secretary, Jim McMahon, has already admitted defeat
• Labour have kept control of Sunderland City Council but lost nine seats
• Labour have also held Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council and South Tyneside Council

Image source, PA Media

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley files a lawsuit against the Premier League and says it's time for "dark forces to step aside" regarding the club's takeover.

Mark Lawrenson takes on The Sherlocks drummer and Sheffield Wednesday fan Brandon Crook to make predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures.

All the action and reaction as Newcastle United thrash Leicester in the Premier League

Operator Nexus says the "crystal clear" footage will make it easier to identify troublemakers.

Tyler James paid an initial £400 fee for organising the event but has now received a £10,000 fine.

Listen to BBC radio commentary from Saturday's action in the National League.

James Rutherford is sentenced for the manslaughter of Andrew Saint in Bedlington last year.

Matthew Hedges says he is "still waiting for justice" after being imprisoned for spying in 2018.

Three men died and a fourth had to go to hospital after taking what is thought to be Spice.

A cordon is being set up around little terns nesting on the beach at Seaton Carew.

The annual, four-day arts and street theatre festival which attracts thousands of people to Stockton-on-Tees will go ahead at the end of July, organisers say.

If the government's roadmap out of lockdown stays on track the Stockton International Riverside Festival will take place from Thursday 29 July to Sunday 1 August.

The carnival theme is “Junk for Joy” and it is hoped hundreds of young people, musicians and street performers will be able to dance and sing their way along Stockton High Street.

Last year's festival was held online because of the Covid pandemic.

Image source, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

West Lane Hospital was closed by inspectors in 2019 following the deaths of two teenagers.

The group had plotted to sell cocaine across the north-east of England.