Newcastle Falcons sign Argentina scrum-half Simon Benitez Cruz on a two-year deal.

Essex sign young pace bowler Mitchell Killeen after he rejects a contract extension offered by Durham.

Nonagenarian numbers fan Donald Elsom makes his debut on the long-running show.

Sunderland agree a deal for 28-year-old defender Omar Alderete as their 11th summer signing for a grand total of nearly £150m.

BBC Sport looks at the stats surrounding relegation, asks why promoted clubs are struggling and rates each of the new boys' chances.

The Home Office says it believes it has enough properties in the region for asylum seekers.

Artists and tradespeople consider moving or retiring when Sunderland's National Glass Centre closes.

Train services are facing delays and cancellation after overnight damage to a County Durham bridge.

Gloucestershire and Lancashire win One-Day Cup thrillers and there are easy successes for Durham, Middlesex, Derbyshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

They include a large rat, an empty school and a postal worker delivering "bags of happiness".

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland discusses whether the Reds need to sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak to boost their attacking ranks.

Although the council says it is safe, one local councillor says metal is sticking out of the ground.

Tackling Metro fare dodgers, concerns over low salmon numbers and bringing black metal music back.

Newcastle United close in on the signing of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.