A 51-year-old man appears in court charged with the murder of Rory Boyce in Shildon on Tuesday.

Middlesbrough councillor Jon Rathmell told lies about invoices for a firework display, police say.

Volunteer lifesavers responded to a group of men jumping into rough seas at Cullercoats.

It is expected residents of a Gateshead tower block could be out of their homes for up to a week.

Eslington Court in Dunston was evacuated on Wednesday afternoon when a burst pipe on the 10th floor caused significant water damage.

Power had to be disconnected to all properties as a result.

Those affected have been offered hotel accommodation.

Gateshead Housing Company said: "We continue to offer support and assistance to all affected residents and will do so throughout the time they are displaced from their homes."

Image source, Google

A fire in a bin lorry might have been caused by batteries thrown out with household rubbish, Gateshead Council has said.

The crew had to empty the load of rubbish beside the Western Bypass earlier when smoke was spotted coming from the vehicle on the A1 between the Metro Centre and Dunston.

Two lanes had to be closed while the fire was put out.

It is the third fire in recent weeks thought to have been caused by a cast out battery or battery-powered device.

Last month, the Campground recycling centre in Wrekenton was closed by a serious fire.

A fortnight later a similar fire broke out at the Middlefields Recycling Village in South Shields.

Gateshead Council is asking people not to discard spent batteries in the bin but to recycle them safely.

Image source, Getty Images

Five men, aged between 19 and 26, have been arrested in connection with the collision on Tuesday.

Hilton Dawson is chosen by The North East Party to contest the Hartlepool by-election in May.

Local Democracy Reporting Service
Herbert Soden

Residents have been evacuated from an apartment complex in Gateshead because of flooding.

Gateshead Housing Company posted on social media about flooding at Eslington Court, in Dunston.

It said everyone had been evacuated safely and rest centres had been set up

In a statement it said: "Due to lack of water and power supply, residents can not yet return home.

"Rest centres and transport have been set up. At the rest centres, we will offer hotel accommodation to everyone who needs it."

“Our priority is the safety of our residents, and we are pleased to say they have all been evacuated safely, in line with public health Covid guidelines.”

Image source, Gateshead council

Rubbish is left at popular areas as people took advantage of the sun and easing of lockdown restrictions.

Paul Robson is sentenced to life for beating his ex-partner to death and trying to kill a teenage boy.

The serial killer died shortly after he was placed under palliative care, an inquest hears.

Winger Jack Diamond signs a new "long-term" contract with Sunderland, after breaking into the first team this season.

A party spokesman describes John Prescott as a "proud father and a self-employed businessman".

It follows a trial in Newcastle where dozens of people have been sanctioned for using them inappropriately.

Three men have been arrested after the crash on the A689 near Greatham on Tuesday.

Durham sign all-rounder Alex Thomson on a two-month loan from Warwickshire to play in the County Championship.

Caroline Kayll suffered fatal injuries during the attack by Paul Robson, who also tried to kill a boy.

We take a look at why Seaham seaglass is as popular and world-renowned.

The £31m bridge will connect Sunderland city centre with the Stadium of Light football ground.

The English Football League appoints its first female referee, with Rebecca Welch taking charge of a League Two game.