Newcastle Falcons and Scotland flanker John Hardie is to retire at the end of the season.

James Riley and Donna Balfour admitted the charge after John Littlewood was battered to death.

Fire crews are called to Gateshead's Redheugh Court for the second time in six months.

A 41-year-old man has been stabbed in Middlesbrough.

Detectives are investigating after the man suffered a wound to his stomach when he was attacked on Sunday at 16:30 BST, at the junction of Gresham Road and Linthorpe Road.

Cleveland Police said the suspect, who was dressed in black and had his face covered with either a baseball cap or balaclava, ran onto Albert Terrace after the attack.

They believe he left the scene on the front of a bicycle, ridden by one of a group of men.

The victim has been allowed home from James Cook University Hospital after being treated for a minor injury.

Image source, Google

Scrum-half Sam Stuart signs a two-year contract extension at Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.

Hartlepool needed the fans' push in Sunday's National League play-off win over Bromley, says boss Dave Challinor.

A new flyover to allow drivers using the A19 between North Tyneside and North Yorkshire to travel without stopping has opened.

The Testos roundabout was closed to traffic over the weekend to allow the flyover to be installed joining the A19 into a continuous stretch.

Work around the flyover and junction will continue over the coming weeks, including work on the slip roads.

Closures and diversions will also remain in place at the nearby A19 Downhill Lane and the A1290 junction in Sunderland.

It's hoped the flyover will ease congestion - previously at peak times drivers could experience delays of up to four minutes per vehicle.

Image source, Highways England

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 7 June to Friday 11 June 2021

Ben Blowes smashes his fundraising target more than seven times over by running 800 miles.

Rhys Oates scores twice as Hartlepool see off Bromley to reach the National League play-off semi-finals.

Vicky Hall decided to turn many nurse acting roles into the real thing.

Relive live text from the ninth round of fixtures in the County Championship season as Yorkshire seal a dramatic win over Sussex.

Worcestershire opener Jake Libby hits 126 to help the Pears reach 336 before Durham race to a 10-wicket win at New Road.

Adam Radwan scores two of Newcastle's four tries in a comfortable victory over struggling Worcester.

Listen to BBC radio commentary from the ninth round of fixtures in the 2021 County Championship season.

David Bedingham's third Championship century of the summer puts Durham in the driving seat against Worcestershire.

About 40 firefighters are tackling the fire across an area the size of nearly six football pitches.

The projects will see landmark buildings in Newcastle brought back into use.

The proposed development at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary could house specialist services.

Police find almost 200 plants above the shop in Middlesbrough.