Controversial plans to convert a popular former pub on Teesside into a place of worship are scrapped on highway safety grounds.

Plans for new riverside sculptures showing Sunderland's shipbuilding heritage are set to be decided.

Alex Lees scores 144 as Durham make 360 all out in their rain-hit game against relegated Kent, who end day three on 96-3.

People are being warned to remove their vehicles from a seaside car park ahead of works.

Harlequins run in four tries to secure a convincing bonus point victory against Newcastle Falcons for their first Premiership win of the season.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

Matt Parkinson has taken a five-wicket haul at Chester-le-Street and it's his twin brother who is his fifth victim.

Callum was caught and bowled for one. It is the third time Matt has got him out in County Championship cricket. He dismissed him last year at Grace Road, while on loan with Durham. They got each other out in 2019 as well.

Callum's dismissal left Durham nine down but Colin Ackermann then hit a six off Matt to bring up the Durham 350 and a third batting point.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

I am wondering if Durham may declare at tea. They have been in a hurry during the latter part of the afternoon session.

It was clear from the moment David Bedingham came out to bat there was intention. He hit 66 in 38 balls and put on 99 with Alex Lees in no time.

He was out tying to go for his seventh six, but top-edged to Marcus O'Riordan at mid-on, off the bowling of Matt Parkinson. Moments later Alex Lees fell for 144, the victim of a great diving catch at mid-wicket by Jas Singh. Grant Stewart was the bowler.

Ollie Robinson was then out for five and Bas De Leede got a 12-ball duck. The only thing I can think is Durham are trying to push this game along at pace having lost the first two days of the match.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis were "magnificent" against Newcastle in the absence of the influential Rodri.

A company wants to build 51 apartments on the site of a now-demolished school in Sunderland.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe says his side were "brave" in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League.

Seven new changing places toilets have been built using £300,000 from the government.

The council says since free parking was dropped visitors are spending more time in town.

A special flamingo day is taking place at WWT Washington to mark the milestone.

The mural has been painted by members of Durham's Youth Council and local school children.

Killingworth FC is backing the campaign in memory of former Middlesbrough defender Bill Gates.