Lancashire struggle to 177-8 on a rain-affected opening day against Durham in the County Championship, but Matty Hurst makes 74 not out.

The council wants to boost the supply of affordable properties for rent and sale.

The runner died in hospital on Sunday after falling ill during the half marathon, organisers say.

Paramedics say five people were treated at the scene of the blaze, which broke out this morning.

Joanne Tulip's mother has condemned the decision, calling Steven Ling a "very dangerous man".

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

This was a good toss to win from a Durham point of view as they were able to put Lancashire in on a track which has been under the covers for the last two days.

No play was possible this morning because of drizzle. We eventually got underway at 12.50pm and within seconds Ben Raine had the first wicket of the day, as Luke Wells edged the first delivery of the game to the keeper.

Raine got a wicket with the first ball of the last match at Somerset as well. He also bowled Keaton Jennings today for nine, to leave Lancashire 15-2 in the ninth over. Both dismissals brought about wicket maidens.

The lights are on and there's rain in the air, although the forecast for later today is not too bad.

Despite the great start, Durham have not managed to bowl a side out twice in a Kookaburra game. This is match number five using one. Will they eventually be able to press home their advantage this time?

Ofsted says the council's new leadership team is working to "radically improve" child services.

Christopher Spurs left his victim with a collapsed lung and asthma, a court hears.

A family say they live in fear of being targeted again, after shoes were stolen from their porch.

Meet Nana Dillon - an 86-year-old from Middlesbrough who is proving "age is just a number".

As part of a trial, food waste will be recycled to generate renewable energy and make fertiliser.

Police believe the same man raped the women and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area.

Chewing gum cleaning teams are to work on the streets of Durham during evenings across September.

About 60,000 runners signed up for the 43rd event, with began under a flurry of rain showers.

Council chiefs say they are trying to use more enforcement powers to target the worst problem homes.

The site has been vacant since Parkway School in Newcastle was torn down in 2004.

The development was likened to "warehouse more suited to an industrial estate".