Thelma Walker is selected by the newly-formed party to stand for the vacant Hartlepool seat.

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

With some lockdown restrictions easing today, mountain rescue teams in Northumberland are calling on people to be prepared when they head out into the hills.

People can now meet in groups of six, or two families, as long as they are outside, and outdoor sport facilities and the stay-at-home rule have ended, although the government is asking people to stay local as much as possible.

Last year mountain rescue team volunteers responded to 150 incidents in Northumberland National Park and say despite the easing of lockdown restrictions, there is still risk and it takes longer to carry out rescues because of Covid protocols.

People heading to the national park for exercise are being asked to check the weather forecast and to make sure they have the right kit with them.

Image source, Northumberland National Park MRT

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 29 March to Friday 2 April 2021

George Ford returns from England duty to guide Leicester Tigers to a gritty win against Newcastle Falcons.

People were taken to a rest centre amid fears gas canisters could explode in a fire.

A childhood stammer left Lisa Nealan afraid to speak, now she helps others who are struggling.

Medical students are refused refunds despite Covid forcing them to cancel global work trips.

Aiden O'Brien's first-half winner sees Sunderland maintain their promotion push with victory at lowly Bristol Rovers.

Paddy Madden scores his first goal for Stockport as County and Hartlepool share a 1-1 draw in the National League.

Leading politicians in Newcastle pay tribute to Nigel Todd, a councillor for more than 40 years.

Jill Mortimer has been selected to stand for the vacant Hartlepool seat.

The maps dating back to the 1700s were discovered along with a hidden servants' quarters.

Gum dropped in the 20 new bins in Middlesbrough can be recycled into coffee mugs and phone cases.

Grand Central suspended its services from Bradford and Sunderland three times during lockdown.

Videos show youths setting a bin alight next to the temple and jumping over the flames.

Newcastle University's Dr Jo Smith Finley is sanctioned by the Chinese government along with MPs.

More than 40 people have been blocked from using the scheme in Newcastle.

A hairdressers and a barbers in Middlesbrough are each fined £1,000 for breaking lockdown rules.

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock is fined £7,000 for comments he made following his side's 2-1 defeat by Swansea.