Relive the opening day of the 2021 County Championship season as defending champions Essex make a strong start.

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Tuesday 6 April to Friday 9 April 2021

A slew of debris left strewn in Newcastle's parks prompts calls for litter bins to be reinstalled.

Liam Murray was on remand at HMP Durham charged with killing a mother-of-six, an inquest hears.

Jack Colmer says the DIY project was a response to "shameful" photos of rubbish in Hyde Park, Leeds.

The singer's move comes after posts on a jobs website alleged SSD management had mistreated staff.

One impact of lockdown is that there has been a big reduction in light pollution in some areas.

Watch as Middlesbrough's Mille Bell scores a 35-yard free-kick in her side's 3-1 Women's FA Cup win against Hull.

Hartlepool United snatch a draw at Boreham Wood - despite playing 54 minutes without a recognised goalkeeper.

A crunch League One promotion clash ends in deadlock as Peterborough and Sunderland battle out a 1-1 draw.

Jamie Blake, who built an unlicensed club in his back garden, is ordered to pay up or face prison.

Yannick Bolasie's late header gives Middlesbrough's fading Championship play-off hopes a boost as they draw with Watford.

Small business owners say they are being excluded from funding to help with lockdown costs.

Another man was seriously injured in the collision on the A177 near Thorpe Thewles.

The recent death of a humpback has raised interest and concerns for whales in the North Sea.

Newcastle need to repeat the ambitious approach that got them a point against Spurs, says MOTD2 pundit Alan Shearer.

Mark Lawrenson takes on singer-songwriter and Manchester United fan David Gray to make predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures.

Newcastle earned a vital point in their fight for Premier League survival thanks to a late equaliser against Tottenham from on-loan Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock at St James' Park.

Newcastle United’s Steve Bruce is “delighted” with his team’s performance after a 2-2 draw against Spurs at St James’ Park.

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho says repeated defensive mistakes by his side gave Newcastle the hope they needed to find a late equaliser in their 2-2 draw.