Results and reaction from the Hartlepool by-election, PCC, council and Tees Valley Mayor counts.

Good morning and welcome to the start of our live coverage of the election results in the North East and Cumbria.

To start you off here is a round-up of what has happened overnight.

• The result of the Hartlepool by-election is expected to be declared shortly but Labour's shadow transport secretary, Jim McMahon, has already admitted defeat
• Labour have kept control of Sunderland City Council but lost nine seats
• Labour have also held Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council and South Tyneside Council

Image source, PA Media

Labour's shadow transport secretary tells the BBC he doesn't think his party have "got over the line".

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley files a lawsuit against the Premier League and says it's time for "dark forces to step aside" regarding the club's takeover.

Mark Lawrenson takes on The Sherlocks drummer and Sheffield Wednesday fan Brandon Crook to make predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures.

The Food Standards Agency says the products are only available in Iceland stores.

All the action and reaction as Newcastle United thrash Leicester in the Premier League

Operator Nexus says the "crystal clear" footage will make it easier to identify troublemakers.

Tyler James paid an initial £400 fee for organising the event but has now received a £10,000 fine.

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

James Rutherford is sentenced for the manslaughter of Andrew Saint in Bedlington last year.

Matthew Hedges says he is "still waiting for justice" after being imprisoned for spying in 2018.

Christopher Rawding siphoned off payments to the global sportswear brand while he worked for them.

Three men died and a fourth had to go to hospital after taking what is thought to be Spice.

We take a look at the Covid safety measures in place at a polling station in Newcastle.

Millions go to the polls on Thursday, leaving the big parties with much to think about.

A cordon is being set up around little terns nesting on the beach at Seaton Carew.

Organisers say "operational challenges" led them to the "difficult decision".

The annual, four-day arts and street theatre festival which attracts thousands of people to Stockton-on-Tees will go ahead at the end of July, organisers say.

If the government's roadmap out of lockdown stays on track the Stockton International Riverside Festival will take place from Thursday 29 July to Sunday 1 August.

The carnival theme is “Junk for Joy” and it is hoped hundreds of young people, musicians and street performers will be able to dance and sing their way along Stockton High Street.

Last year's festival was held online because of the Covid pandemic.

Image source, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council