Millions go to the polls on Thursday, leaving the big parties with much to think about.

A cordon is being set up around little terns nesting on the beach at Seaton Carew.

Organisers say "operational challenges" led them to the "difficult decision".

The annual, four-day arts and street theatre festival which attracts thousands of people to Stockton-on-Tees will go ahead at the end of July, organisers say.

If the government's roadmap out of lockdown stays on track the Stockton International Riverside Festival will take place from Thursday 29 July to Sunday 1 August.

The carnival theme is “Junk for Joy” and it is hoped hundreds of young people, musicians and street performers will be able to dance and sing their way along Stockton High Street.

Last year's festival was held online because of the Covid pandemic.

Image source, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

An 85-year-old woman who has not been outdoors for 14 months because of the pandemic, has had her first trip out to get an ice cream.

Julie Chuter had promised her mum Audrey they would get the biggest ice cream they could find when she took her to Tynemouth earlier.

Audrey, who had been desperate to leave her care home, said: "It's great to be out of the home and be outside, even if the weather is rubbish!

"I love ice cream, it's my absolute favourite. I had to get one even though it's cold and wet."

Image source, Jake Rusby

West Lane Hospital was closed by inspectors in 2019 following the deaths of two teenagers.

The group had plotted to sell cocaine across the north-east of England.

More than 100 people failed to show up for their coronavirus vaccination in Darlington in just one day, it has emerged.

In total 129 people failed to arrive for their second dose on Sunday at a centre managed by the Darlington Primary Care Network.

The clinic only had three days to use the Pfizer vaccine once it was delivered, so it meant GPs had to contact people on the waiting list to ensure the vaccinations were not wasted.

Image source, PA Media

There have also been a number of no shows across Northumberland.

In one case, an appointment wasn't kept because the person said "the weather is nice and I'm off to the beach".

Jane Lothian from the Northumberland Local Medial Committee, which represents GPs in the county, said: "It's disappointing for all my colleagues in primary care who have been working night and day literally to deliver this vaccine programme.

"Over the last few weeks since we've moved to calling in younger people.

"There's been a small but significant number of people just not turning up when they had their vaccine appointments. With the Pfizer vaccines it obviously has a very short shelf life so if people are booked in and they don't turn up then potentially the vaccine is wasted."

Hebburn Town are on their way home after their FA Vase victory at Wembley yesterday afternoon.

They beat Northern League rivals Consett 3-2 with a late winner from substitute Ollie Martin

The club estimates the players' bus will arrive back at about 17:15

It's expected the players will show off the trophy on the balcony of Hebburn Sports Club.

Image source, Hebburn Town FC

The triumphant Hebburn Town are due back in the North East later after winning their first FA Vase at Wembley yesterday.

They beat Northern League rivals Consett 3-2 with a late winner.

The team is due to arrive at Hebburn Sports Club between 16:00 and 17:00 giving fans the first chance to glimpse the silverware, with team expected on the Sports Club balcony.