Listen to BBC radio commentary from Saturday's four games in the Gallagher Premiership.

The RSPCA says the animals were in danger as they were too young to be away from their mother.

Laura Phillips regularly answers questions about her and her family's dwarfism on social media.

Habib Rahman was three years old when his dad was stabbed to death in a row over a curry.

Newcastle Falcons winger Mateo Carreras signs a new one-year contract with the Premiership club.

Firefighters had to take out part of a wall to free the cat called Kevin after he meowed for help.

Paramedic Gary Watson was assaulted by a drunk patient and received serious injuries to his face.

Eight teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murdering 35-year-old Danny Humble.

North Tyneside's director of public health says "crucially" there is no rise in over-50s cases.

Daniel Holland
Local Democracy Reporter

Early-morning Metro delays this week have been blamed on a shortage of staff.

Trains were about 40 minutes late in starting on Monday and today. They would usually leave the depot at 05:00.

Peak-time morning services today also had to be cancelled, which Metro operator Nexus said was due to “operational issues”.

It later confirmed the hitch was caused by the sickness absence of a single member of staff at Metro’s control room in South Gosforth.

The control room needs two of its 12 staff, known as service delivery controllers, on duty at all times of the day to manage services across the network.

Nexus added the late start to services should not be repeated on Wednesday as staffing levels would be back to sufficient numbers.

Ghana winger Christian Atsu reveals he will be leaving Newcastle United when his contracts ends this month.

A total of eight people, aged between 16 and 18, are being questioned on suspicion of murder.

Police say the 15-year-old was attacked after being offered a lift home by a stranger.

Newcastle Falcons flanker Connor Collett signs a one-year contract extension.

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a man in his 30s was shot in Middlesbrough.

Cleveland Police were called to Arrandale in Hemlington shortly before 19:00 on Monday following a report of a man being shot at by two other men on a black moped.

The victim, who is in his 30s, is being treated in hospital.

A 53-year-old, a 36-year-old and two 30-year-olds have been arrested and the 36-year-old was also arrested in suspicion of committing a driving offence.

The mobile clinic is available without appointment to anyone over 40 who has not yet been jabbed.

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June

Newcastle prop forward Mark Tampin signs a new contract to remain with the Premiership club for a further two seasons.

Steve Waller's work on a replica of part of Middlesbrough in the 1830s has so far taken nine years.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald says it is 'vital' Teesside's rail routes are also electrified.