Spectators are being allowed into Durham County Cricket's Riverside ground for the first time in 20 months.

There is a limit of 4,000 fans for the County Championship game against Essex.

The club is hoping if the government's road map out of lockdown stays on track they could be back to normal for the second half of the T20 Blast and one day internationals.

Durham's chief operating officer Richard Dowson said having supporters back makes all the difference.

"All year with no spectators at the ground has felt very strange and we're looking forward to welcoming them back.

"We'll be following the guidelines, everything from making sure everyone scans in at the gates to wearing face masks in indoor areas."

Image source, Getty Images

A "very small number" of cases of the so-called Indian variant of coronavirus have been found in Sunderland.

Health bosses are not confirming how many have been detected at this stage, but have urged people to test themselves twice a week.

Sunderland's director of public health, Gerry Taylor, said: "We all need to remain very cautious at the moment and continue to follow all of the guidance in terms of hands, face and space and fresh air."

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle Falcons wing George Wacokecoke signs a new three-year deal.

All on-duty customer service advisors will now wear a camera to record anti-social behaviour.

The Misuse of Drugs Act came into force 50 years ago, but some campaigners say it should be changed.

Bangladesh-born Habib Rahman says he is proud to represent "safe and tolerant" Newcastle.

The Japanese car giant is reportedly in advanced talks to build a gigafactory in Sunderland.

Relive the action from day one of seven County Championship matches, including the Roses match between Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Liberal Democrat Amanda Hopgood is the first woman leader in Durham County Council's history.

Jimmy Peacock died when he was struck down while walking in Sunderland last week.

Restrictions are not being imposed on Indian variant-affected areas, the government says.

PD Roxy found perfume hidden beneath a car shortly after the stash was stolen.

Newcastle Falcons host Northampton Saints and Bristol Bears entertain Gloucester Rugby in the Premiership - listen to BBC radio commentary.

Sunderland release seven players, including captain Max Power, after they were beaten in the League One play-off semi-finals by Lincoln.

Having carried his father's play-off medal with him all season, Swansea City's Freddie Woodman aims to claim one of his own.

Freddie Woodman's loan spell at Swansea from Newcastle ends at the Championship play-off final against Brentford on Saturday, but the goalkeeper hopes to return.

The government says there are no travel restrictions but is still asking people to cut it down.

People are also asked not to go into or out of places hardest hit by the so-called Indian variant.

Young farmers welcome a government grant to encourage older generations to retire early.

The partnership follows Labour's first loss of overall control at Durham County Council in 100 years.