Cleveland Police said those that tried to help the 10-year-old girl were "heroes".

Image source, Owen Humpreys / PA Media

Stunning pictures of the Northern Lights and the Milky Way over Holy Island.

They were captured by Owen Humpreys last night.

Image source, Owen Humpreys/ PA Media

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 15 March to Friday 19 March 2021

Newcastle City Council says changes are needed to "adapt" to climate concerns and online shopping.

Sunderland win at Wembley for the first time in almost 50 years as they beat Tranmere Rovers to claim their first EFL Trophy.

Four men are praised by police after helping two children who had fallen into the sea at Redcar.

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

Ten-man Hartlepool lose ground at the top of the National League after a goalless draw with Eastleigh.

Stoke City suffer a fourth loss in five games as a resurgent Middlesbrough ease to victory at the Riverside.

Fit-again England flanker Sam Underhill scores one of Bath's six tries as they ease to victory at injury-hit Newcastle.

The instrument, once part of Sunderland's Holy Trinity Church, will be refurbished and used daily.

Relive the 2020-21 EFL Trophy final as Sunderland beat Tranmere to end an eight-game losing streak at Wembley.

Relive the EFL Trophy final at Wembley, plus a dramatic day across the English Football League.

The £4.8m project is set to protect almost 500 homes and businesses.

Jamaal Lascelles scores in stoppage time to rescue a point for relegation-threatened Newcastle following a dramatic finale against Aston Villa at St James' Park.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce says he is frustrated that his side missed some "big opportunities" in their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith says it was an "ugly game" as his side conceded a late equaliser against Newcastle in a largely dull encounter at St James' Park.

A cannabis drugs factory, the size of an average football pitch, has been uncovered in Newcastle.

Officers say the find on the Brunswick Industrial Estate contained nearly 1,500 plants, growing across two floors, with an street value believed to more than £1m.

It was found after electricity workers contacted police after a power cut on the industrial estate.

Image source, Northumbria Police

Police are continuing investigations to find those responsible.

Plans have been drawn up to recruit 40 new firefighters for Tyne and Wear.

If approved, the new members of staff would be based in the West Denton area of Newcastle manning a new fire engine, along with crews for aerial ladder platforms based in Sunderland and Gosforth.

Assistant chief fire officer Peter Heath said: "We’ve managed to save a bit, cut a bit and we’ve amassed a decent amount of money that we now feel is safe, sound and sustainable to reinvest.

“By adding one fire engine, we improve the speed in response to calls for fires, but we will also improve the availability of the height appliances and the availability of the command unit, which is absolutely integral to supporting firefighter safety."

A vote on the recruitment proposals will be take at a meeting of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority on Monday 15 March.

Image source, TWFRS

Although unable to go to the EFL Trophy Final, fans bought commemorative tickets in aid of charity.