The young are "less likely" to drink at "risky levels" than the middle aged, a campaigner says.

Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team says it is seeing the busiest start to its year for a long time, with volunteers called out nine times in nine days.

The team says it's a 41% increase on the average for the same period across the previous three years.

Call-outs have ranged from weather-related ones at the beginning of the year, to a couple becoming stranded on Roseberry Topping after deciding to climb it in high winds at night.

As lockdown restrictions are relaxed and more people venture out and about, Gary Clarke from the team said: "If it continues that way for the rest of the year we'll either equal or surpass our record year."

He said most people have been well prepared.

"This last group of call-outs we've had three walkers who were all kitted out with correct footwear et cetera and it's just very simple to slip and fall, in these cases they were all broken legs, and we had a man on Saturday who was properly kitted out and well prepared and he was taken ill on the day," he said.

Image source, Cleveland MRT

A man and a woman were held on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, police say.

Police say they are increasingly concerned for the safety of a County Durham teacher who has been missing for more than four days.

Darren Blyth, 55, left his home in Trimdon Station on Wednesday evening, telling his family he was going to take photographs at Hawthorn Dene.

His camera was found in his car but widespread searches have found nothing.

Mr Blyth is described as 5ft 10in, of slim build and short grey hair. He was last seen wearing a black North Face coat and grey outdoor trousers.

Image source, Durham Constabulary

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 19 April to Friday 23 April 2021.

As well as schools and community centres, votes will also be cast in more unusual places.

Simon Harmer takes Essex to an unlikely 44-run win as Durham collapse on the final morning at Chelmsford.

Hampshire sign Durham batsman Cameron Steel on a two-month loan deal.

The Covid-19 vaccinations are being given to people living in remote areas by a 'roving' clinic.

With the 200th anniversary approaching, what's so special about the Stockton and Darlington Railway?

Premiership leaders Bristol Bears earn a bonus-point win over Newcastle Falcons to re-establish their 12-point cushion at the top.

Durham need 108 more runs to beat Essex with seven wickets in hand after a rollercoaster day three at Chelmsford.

Allan Saint-Maximin's return and an upturn in form - how Newcastle appear to have saved their season.

West Ham manager David Moyes says losing 3-2 at Newcastle by conceding a late goal was "sad", after the 10-man Hammers came back from 2-0 down.

Lee Wallace scores his first Championship goal as 10-man QPR cling on to beat Middlesbrough and leapfrog them in the table.

Newcastle United’s Steve Bruce says his job “should come with a health warning” after their 3-2 win against West Ham United.

Newcastle take a big step towards securing their Premier League status with a dramatic win against 10-man West Ham.

Richie Bennett's hat-trick keeps Hartlepool top of the National League after a 7-2 rout of Wealdstone.

Sunderland's League One automatic promotion hopes suffer a big blow following defeat at Blackpool.

Street wardens are distributing naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an overdose.