A deal is agreed to support the manufacturing of 60 million vaccine doses in north-east England.

The Dex Garage in Newcastle dates from 1931 was the first of its kind in the north of England.

Move over David Brent, settle down John Betjeman, the town is going to be an environmental pioneer.

Local Democracy Reporting Service

A report has described a number of incidents involving Redcar and Cleveland Council staff apparently breaching coronavirus guidelines.

John Sampson, who worked on the report for members of the council’s employment, health and safety committee, said when challenged some staff had responded by stating they had received a Covid vaccine.

The report said: “It is becoming apparent that in some cases there is a misperception that having a vaccine – or previously being ill with Covid-19 means that it is unnecessary to follow control measures.

“Messaging has been reinforced to highlight that this is not the case and that social distancing and other risk mitigation controls should still be applied."

He added that all current control measures remain in place in council buildings.

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

A public health boss has warned people not to get carried away as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Two households or groups of up to six people are now able to meet outside and the stay-at-home restrictions have come to an end.

Outdoor sport facilities including tennis courts and golf courses have also reopened, along with organised outdoor sports.

Director of Public Health in Gateshead Alice Wiseman said: "We should all do the things we're supposed to do in terms of keeping that mixing to a minimum, making sure we maintain a social distance, following the rule of six, because if we can't do that we'll see cases start to rise, we'll start to see pressure in our NHS and we'll be taking steps backwards."

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.

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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.