Twenty-three people have been arrested as part of a crackdown on county lines drug-dealing gangs.

Northumbria Police said it executed warrants in areas including Ashington, Sunderland, Newcastle, Gateshead (pictured) and South Shields - seizing cocaine, cannabis and ketamine, more than £20,000 in cash and three luxury watches.

The week-long operation was part of a UK-wide effort which saw 1,100 people arrested.

County line gangs are urban drug dealers who sell to customers in more rural areas via dedicated phone lines. It also sees people recruited by organised criminals to work for them in the supply chain.

Det Ch Insp Sue Fryer described it an a "monumental effort", adding: “While we do not see the levels of violence associated with county lines dealing prevalent in other areas here in the North East, we are working hard to keep it that way.”

Image source, Northumbria Police

Politically passionate and one of the first working class reporters at the BBC, Jack Ashley wanted to show the suffering caused by high unemployment in Hartlepool. With no work, no prospects, and little money, Ashley asked how the unemployed reacted to their situation in an increasingly affluent society.

The documentary caused a storm when it was first shown in 1963, bringing Hartlepool’s problems to the attention of a national audience. After the programme aired parcels were sent to the contributors containing food, clothing, presents for the children and even an abundance of Christmas turkeys from people all over the UK. (1963)

Ivan Toney has become the record scorer in a Championship season, so is he ready to make the step-up to the top flight?

Spectators are being allowed into Durham County Cricket's Riverside ground for the first time in 20 months.

There is a limit of 4,000 fans for the County Championship game against Essex.

The club is hoping if the government's road map out of lockdown stays on track they could be back to normal for the second half of the T20 Blast and one day internationals.

Durham's chief operating officer Richard Dowson said having supporters back makes all the difference.

"All year with no spectators at the ground has felt very strange and we're looking forward to welcoming them back.

"We'll be following the guidelines, everything from making sure everyone scans in at the gates to wearing face masks in indoor areas."

Image source, Getty Images

A "very small number" of cases of the so-called Indian variant of coronavirus have been found in Sunderland.

Health bosses are not confirming how many have been detected at this stage, but have urged people to test themselves twice a week.

Sunderland's director of public health, Gerry Taylor, said: "We all need to remain very cautious at the moment and continue to follow all of the guidance in terms of hands, face and space and fresh air."

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle Falcons wing George Wacokecoke signs a new three-year deal.

All on-duty customer service advisors will now wear a camera to record anti-social behaviour.

The Misuse of Drugs Act came into force 50 years ago, but some campaigners say it should be changed.

Bangladesh-born Habib Rahman says he is proud to represent "safe and tolerant" Newcastle.

The Japanese car giant is reportedly in advanced talks to build a gigafactory in Sunderland.

Relive the action from day one of seven County Championship matches, including the Roses match between Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Liberal Democrat Amanda Hopgood is the first woman leader in Durham County Council's history.

Jimmy Peacock died when he was struck down while walking in Sunderland last week.

Restrictions are not being imposed on Indian variant-affected areas, the government says.

PD Roxy found perfume hidden beneath a car shortly after the stash was stolen.

Sunderland release seven players, including captain Max Power, after they were beaten in the League One play-off semi-finals by Lincoln.

Having carried his father's play-off medal with him all season, Swansea City's Freddie Woodman aims to claim one of his own.

Freddie Woodman's loan spell at Swansea from Newcastle ends at the Championship play-off final against Brentford on Saturday, but the goalkeeper hopes to return.

The government says there are no travel restrictions but is still asking people to cut it down.

People are also asked not to go into or out of places hardest hit by the so-called Indian variant.