Notts Outlaws will begin their defence of the T20 Blast in June with the 50-over One-Day Cup returning in late July.

North East firms say they have hit hurdles since the Brexit trade agreement came into force.

A council employee has been sacked after allegations he stole vehicles from the authority.

Northumbria Police has confirmed the 56-year-old North Tyneside Council staff member was being investigated on "suspicion of conspiracy to steal motor vehicles".

The local authority said the man had been dismissed for gross misconduct.

Head of environment, housing and leisure Phil Scott said cases of this sort were "very rare" and the authority took them "extremely seriously".

Newcastle United striker Joelinton shared a picture of himself with stylist Tom Baxter.

Severe weather has been causing disruption in some areas, with flooding being the main issue.

Fire crews spent the morning pumping out in the Lake Road and Market Place area of Houghton-le-Spring after rain flooded off the hill above.

Earlier in the day, about five miles of the A19 was closed, from the Seaham junction northbound up to the A183 junction at Pennywell in Sunderland.

Specialist pumping equipment was brought in by the Highways Agency, and it has since reopened.

Further afield, the route from St John's Chapel, in Weardale, to Langdon Beck remains shut because of drifting snow, and Medomsley Bank is closed down to Hamsterley Mill because of water running off the fields, coupled with ice.

The Environment Agency has issued two flood alerts for the River Wear catchment area, and said it had closed the flood gates in Warkworth, in Northumberland.

There are also weather warnings for heavy rain into tomorrow, as well as heavy snow for higher ground.

Listen to BBC radio commentary from Saturday's action in the FA Trophy, National League and National League South.

Newcastle United striker Joelinton shared a picture of himself with stylist Tom Baxter on Friday.

Heavy rain has caused localised flooding on some roads in the region

The A19 is now closed northbound between its junction with the A1018 at the Seaham Grange roundabout and the A690 near Sunderland.

All northbound traffic will be taken off at the A1018 until further notice.

The B1404 northbound entry sliproad is also closed.

Go North East have said flooding at Wardley means bus services 67 and 69 are unable to stop at Wardley bus terminus.

Durham Police have asked drivers to avoid Station View in Esh Winning, which is also closed because of flooding.

The force said it was likely to remain closed for some time.

Image source, Durham Constabulary

Patient Irene is surprised by doctors playing violin to celebrate her 100th birthday in hospital.

Cleveland Police hopes a shortage in drug supply "might move people on to be rehabilitated".

Mark Lawrenson takes on Foo Fighters guitarist and Arsenal fan Chris Shiflett to make predictions for this week's Premier League fixtures.

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce says he was pleased with his side's performance despite losing 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says he was pleased with his side's work rate in their 2-1 win over Newcastle, however concerned over growing injury list.

Crystal Palace record back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since September with victory at Newcastle.

Oxford United register a club record ninth win in all competitions as they beat AFC Wimbledon to make the semi-finals of the Papa John's Trophy.