Daniel Holland
Local Democracy Reporter

Early-morning Metro delays this week have been blamed on a shortage of staff.

Trains were about 40 minutes late in starting on Monday and today. They would usually leave the depot at 05:00.

Peak-time morning services today also had to be cancelled, which Metro operator Nexus said was due to “operational issues”.

It later confirmed the hitch was caused by the sickness absence of a single member of staff at Metro’s control room in South Gosforth.

The control room needs two of its 12 staff, known as service delivery controllers, on duty at all times of the day to manage services across the network.

Nexus added the late start to services should not be repeated on Wednesday as staffing levels would be back to sufficient numbers.

Ghana winger Christian Atsu reveals he will be leaving Newcastle United when his contracts ends this month.

A total of eight people, aged between 16 and 18, are being questioned on suspicion of murder.

Police say the 15-year-old was attacked after being offered a lift home by a stranger.

Newcastle Falcons flanker Connor Collett signs a one-year contract extension.

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a man in his 30s was shot in Middlesbrough.

Cleveland Police were called to Arrandale in Hemlington shortly before 19:00 on Monday following a report of a man being shot at by two other men on a black moped.

The victim, who is in his 30s, is being treated in hospital.

A 53-year-old, a 36-year-old and two 30-year-olds have been arrested and the 36-year-old was also arrested in suspicion of committing a driving offence.

The mobile clinic is available without appointment to anyone over 40 who has not yet been jabbed.

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June

Newcastle prop forward Mark Tampin signs a new contract to remain with the Premiership club for a further two seasons.

Steve Waller's work on a replica of part of Middlesbrough in the 1830s has so far taken nine years.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald says it is 'vital' Teesside's rail routes are also electrified.

Champions Exeter Chiefs run in 12 tries in a record-breaking win against Newcastle Falcons.

The council is warned the cuts would have a disproportionate impact on poorer families.

Teams will ride to each of the 42 Anglican cathedrals to mark the launch of a new cycle route.

Follow live text and BBC radio commentary from the eighth round of fixtures in the 2021 County Championship.

Jamie Porter takes four wickets as Essex complete a three-day demolition of Durham at the Riverside.

The benefits of implementing a minimum cost for alcohol continue to have an impact, a new study finds.

The man, in his 70s, was seriously injured in the crash near Silverlink and died two days later.

Hartlepool miss out on a top-three finish despite a thumping win over Weymouth in their final game of the regular season.

Scott Bowes was 12 when he signed up as a police cadet, now aged 19 he is an officer.