Martin Emmerson
BBC Newcastle

Will Smith has been providing some stubborn resistance with the bat from a Durham point of view. He has 68 and has put on 56 with Paul Collingwood for the fourth wicket so far, in a steady 18 overs.

Earlier Sussex made 552, their highest score in Arundel, but on a track made for runs Durham were 100-3 at tea with Tom Latham gone for two and Cameron Steel (20) and Graham Clark (27) also out.

This wicket requires concentration and determination but there are certainly runs to be had in the sunshine of Arundel Castle.

Sussex Coach Jason Gillespsie is on air with us now and says the first task is to bowl Durham out and have them follow-on. The target to avoid the follow-on is 403.

Here's a sneak peak at the fountains on the River Tyne which will go off tonight to mark the Great Exhibition of the North:

BBC Weather

Lengthening spells of sunshine this evening will give way to some long clear periods tonight.

Winds easing a touch and it will turn rather cool.

Check the weather where you are.

This horse was found wandering along the A19, prior to the B1285 junction today.

It has been taken to safety by police, who are looking for its owner.

Image source, DURHAM CONSTABULARY

Some of the more unusual ways people across England marked the longest day of the year.

Good news if you're planning on visiting the launch of the Great Exhibition of the North tomorrow - Metro has announced it will be running extra trains.

Sunderland begin their first campaign in England's third tier for more than 30 years with a lunchtime kick off at home to Charlton Athletic.

Press Association

Stars have paid tribute to former Love Island contestant and ex-Miss Great Britain Sophie Gradon, who has died aged 32.

The reality TV star, who appeared in the 2016 series of the ITV2 dating show, was found dead on Wednesday in Ponteland, Northumberland, police confirmed.

Caroline Flack, who hosts the programme, tweeted: "So very sad. Such a beautiful soul... such a beautiful smile... thoughts and love with friends and family @sophiegradon."

Zara Holland, who appeared on Love Island with Gradon and was also previously Miss Great Britain, tweeted that she is "beyond heartbroken, I'm in shock".

She added: "You will be truly missed, I will think about you every single day. The nicest, kindest, caring, hard working girl I have ever met. Sending all my love to your family. I love you x @sophiegradon."

Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan, a friend of Gradon, said that she was "helping me battle the twitter trolls yesterday, rest in peace beautiful".

Image source, PA

Durham Police are celebrating national Bring your Dog to Work day, which takes place tomorrow, especially since they take their four-legged friends to work every day.

Sunderland Echo
Newspaper

The workers inside the building were told to leave after the fire alarm was activated shortly before 13:00. , external

Image source, SUNDERLAND ECHO

Morecambe sign former Hartlepool striker Rhys Oates and ex-Grimsby defender Zak Mills on free transfers from 1 July.

Northumberland Gazette

Human remains found in St Andrews have now been formally identified as that of Duncan Sim., external

Image source, NORTHUMBERLAND GAZETTE

It's set to be a warm day today and Carolyn Farthing has already been out capturing the sun in Seaton Delaval.

Image source, Carolyn Farthing

Lovely.

If you have any photos you'd like to share you can tweet us, external, contact us via our Facebook page, external or email us.

National League side Hartlepool United sign 40-goal striker Niko Muir from Hendon for an undisclosed fee.

Police are looking for a man they would like to speak to in connection with theft ,fraud and money laundering offences against vulnerable people.

They have released a picture of Paul Ternent, 52, from Bournmoor.

Image source, DURHAM CONSTABULARY

A former Love Island contestant and Miss Newcastle winner from Northumberland has died.

Sophie Gradon, 32, was found dead at a property in Medburn in Ponteland.

Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong wrote on Facebook, external: "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always."

She had starred in the reality TV show in 2016.

Police don't believe there to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

A report will now be prepared for the coroner.

Image source, Getty Images

Police in Chester-le-Street are reminding people that roads will be busy today as England play Australia in the Emirates Riverside.

The cricket match starts at 14:00 and police are advising commuters to plan their journeys before setting off.

The 550-space facility is approved retrospectively by planners in Gateshead.

The Gazette
Newspaper

Donna Keogh’s parents said they were hoping for “truth, justice and closure” as the search for their daughter's body continued. , external

Image source, THE GAZETTE

Ciaran Clark was knocked unconscious in a row on a dance floor.