Queues formed outside barber shops and gyms welcomed back exercise fans as the easing of lockdown restrictions continued.

Non-essential shops and beauty salons can now open their doors in England and Wales, and many people couldn't wait to get a haircut.

Image source, Owen Humphreys / PA

Photographer Owen Humphreys took these pictures of a queue outside Ronnie's barber shop in Monkseaton (above) and inside Unique Traditional barbers in Whitley Bay (below).

Image source, Owen Humphreys / PA

In Wallsend, the first socially-distanced strength classes were held at Ultimate Fitness Gym, with the doors open to improve ventilation.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

And in Newcastle city centre, the Literary and Philosophical library reopened, with members able to check out the vast collection of books.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Lee Wall must serve a minimum of 19 years behind bars for stabbing Daryl Fowler.

A pub landlord is told to remove two sides to make them Covid-19 compliant.

Local Democracy Reporting Service
Alex Metcalfe

Door-to-door vaccine jabs are being considered to reach a “couple of hundred” elderly people who haven’t received their first vaccines in Middlesbrough.

Health bosses and the council's chief executive Tony Parkinson have confirmed the idea of taking jabs to the doorsteps of older residents is being looked at.

Mr Parkinson said the council was looking to get lists from GP surgeries to contact the remaining over 80s who hadn’t been vaccinated.

Council statistics also showed there has been a lower uptake among residents with African, Pakistani and Indian heritage.

Last week the Al Mustafa Centre, on Parliament Road in Middlesbrough, and Stockton’s Farooq E Azam Mosque and Islamic Centre, on Bowesfield Lane, became vaccine clinics.

Stockton’s mayor Mohammed Javed (pictured below) had his second jab at the the Mosque last week.

Liam Murray was on remand at HMP Durham charged with killing a mother-of-six.

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 12 April to Friday 16 April 2021.

The electric car battery plant will be the biggest industrial investment in the North East for years.

The Port of Tyne says gatherings of walkers or anglers were limited to six people or two households.

Three sets of twins reflect on the past year, with research suggesting only 5.5% live with together.

Three sets of twins reflect on the past year, with research suggesting only 5.5% live together.

Newcastle's first win in eight games has given them breathing space to the relegation zone but can they now kick on?

Lyndon James hits his first half-century but Nottinghamshire draw with Durham after being set 396 to win.

The Duchess of Northumberland describes the Duke of Edinburgh as a "great man" who loved talking to guests.

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce praises the impact of Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin from the bench after their 2-1 win at Burnley.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche acknowledges the difference in spending power between his side and opponents Newcastle United after their 2-1 loss.

Allan Saint-Maximin inspires Newcastle to a vital win at Burnley that lifts them six points clear of the relegation zone.

Anyone who has tested positive for the virus in the past 28 days is urged not to attend, however.

A yellow Met Office warning has now been lifted but drivers are being warned to take care.

David Bedingham's fine partnership with fellow centurion Ned Eckersley helps Durham build a commanding 395-run lead.

Hartlepool go top of the National League as they make it 14 games unbeaten with victory over Notts County.