Paul Duffield charged nearly £400 for firearms advice he should have provided for free, a courts hears.

Three reasons why the Japanese car firm is no longer planning to make its X-Trail model in Sunderland.

Local Democracy Reporting Service
Herbert Soden

A library in Wallsend is to be turned into a community hub.

Currently Wallsend Customer First Centre is home to the town's library and care and connect, which supports people to stay independent within the community.

A report to North Tyneside Council said it could also offer advice services for housing and benefits, family services and employment skills and learning services. Social work, therapy and mental health services could also be offered from the centre.

The new services are expected to start 19 June.

Northampton Saints host Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final and Championship commentaries - listen to BBC radio commentary.

Centre Chris Harris signs a new two-year deal with Newcastle, two days after scoring his first Scotland try.

Unions have pressed Nissan for guarantees on jobs and future production at its Sunderland plant after it confirmed that the new X-Trail originally planned for the Wearside plant will instead be made in Japan.

Representatives from Unite met Nissan managers in Sunderland today.

Unite acting national officer Steve Bush said: "Nissan were left in no doubt of our anger and disappointment over how the X-Trail announcement leaked to the media over the weekend.

"It has caused a great deal of anxiety among a workforce in one of the most efficient and productive Nissan factories in the world.

"We pressed for guarantees on jobs and future production levels at Sunderland and received firm assurances that the future production of the Juke and Qashqai is unaffected and this is solely an X-Trail decision."

He said the union would continue to press for guarantees about future investment and new models at the plant.

Image source, NISSAN

Business minister Richard Harrington conceded the decision was "a disaster" and that Brexit was partly to blame.

A consultation on the future shape of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service closes at midnight tonight.

The man, who was not known to the victim, followed her along a road before raping her.

The Chronicle

A man has died after being found unconscious in Wallsend., external

Car maker Nissan needs "every bit of support to be successful", the North East England Chamber of Commerce (NECC) said in response to the Japanese firm's announcement it will not be making its new X-Trail cars on Wearside.

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham (pictured) said: “The automotive sector in this country is vitally important and needs to be protected.

Image source, NECC

"At present there is over-capacity in the EU so businesses like Nissan in Washington need every bit of support to be successful. Brexit is making this situation harder. The EU has also just signed a complex free-trade deal with Japan which is extremely concerning for our automotive industry if we leave with no deal, due to the sophistication of the sector’s extensive supply chain.

"We need clarity on our future trading arrangements with the EU as the impact on our economy is now becoming so damaging.”

A lord wants to build the 183ft high steel spire to celebrate the Queen and commonwealth.

There was plenty of snow at the weekend, and Joanne Gaff and her family made the most of it in Northumberland.

She said: "Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional. The 'bairns' enjoying the snow in Thropton. My dad Ivan, 71, Ian, 56, David, 52."

Image source, Joanne Gaff

Homeowner Alison Grounds believes she may have died if she had been in her front room at the time.

BBC Newcastle

Nissan was always going to produce the new X-Trail model at its Kyushu production hub but decided two years ago "there was a good business case" to also make it in Sunderland, according to the firm's Europe chairman Gianluca de Ficchy.

He said "business reasons" are now behind the firm's decision not to build the X-Trail at the Sunderland plant, which opened in 1986 and employs almost 7,000 people.

Nissan cited "changing emissions regulations" which have seen a larger number of diesel cars failing to meet emission standards in Europe and UK and a 30% drop in the sale of new diesel cars in the UK in 2018, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Image source, REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/

Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott said "uncertainty around Brexit" could also be a factor.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said it was a "blow" but Nissan "has confirmed no jobs will be lost".

He said: "The company has confirmed that no jobs will be lost. They have reiterated today their commitment to the UK by continuing to manufacture in Sunderland the current Qashqai, Leaf (pictured above) and Juke models and the new Qashqai model from 2020."

BBC Radio 4

Comedian Bob Mortimer has appeared on Desert Island Discs to talk music, comedy and Middlesbrough.

Boro-born Bob spoke to fellow North Easterner Lauren Laverne about his life and career, including his long-term partnership and friendship with Vic Reeves.

Image source, Amanda Benson/BBC Radio 4/PA Wire

He also discussed overcoming a serious heart attack and dealing with extreme shyness.

You can listen to the episode here and read nine things we learned about Bob here.

Nissan's decision to have its new X-Trail built in Japan instead of Sunderland is on the front page of most of the North East's papers this morning.

Here's what they are saying:

Northern Echo: A North East politician is seeking urgent answers from government, external after car giant Nissan announced it was scrapping the production of its X-Trail model at its Sunderland base.

Sunderland Echo: 'Our workforce in Sunderland has our full confidence' says Nissan, external as it reveals new X-Trail will be made in Japan.

The Chronicle: Nissan’s confirmation that it is no longer building its X-Trail model in Sunderland will see it dragged into the Brexit debate., external

BBC Newcastle

The Labour MP for Sunderland Central, Julie Elliott, says Nissan's decision not to build the X-Trail in the city is devastating news.

BBC Weather

Early cloud and any lingering patchy rain should readily clear with brightening skies and sunny spells this morning.

Blustery winds are easing later too. It will be dry this afternoon with spells of sunshine.

Click here for more weather.