Helen Richardson
Reporting from North Shields

Here on North Tyneside we're eagerly awaiting the results of the mayoral election.

The count is expected to finish around 01:30 BST.

In an evolution of election tradition, we've been joined by this wonderful dog at the count.

Here are the key stats for Coventry City v Middlesbrough.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

It's a nice morning in West End and we are set for highs of around 24C today.

Durham didn't return home after their two-day win at Worcester on Sunday. Instead they stayed in the West Midlands and made the trip to Southampton from there.

Emilio Gay and Matty Potts return today. Potts had to miss the game at New Road - at the behest of the ECB. Gay had a stomach injury. Brendan Doggett also missed that game with an ankle issue and is back. Which means no place for loanees Jake Ball and Jack Blatherwick.

It had been rumoured Ben Raine will sit this one out - and he is. Opener Ben McKinney also misses this one.

Durham have gone with two spinners in George Drissell and Callum Parkinson, who hasn't played yet this season. They are playing on the track used for the Somerset game last weekend.

Sonny Baker missed Hampshire's draw with Somerset - also at the behest of the ECB - so he returns, as does Felix Organ.

This is match number 33 between the two, but Durham have only won twice in Southampton.

Eddie Howe says that Joelinton's injury is 'nothing serious' but he is unlikely to play again this season.

Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fee has issued a rallying call to supporters ahead of the Championship play-offs.

BBC Sport takes a look at the relegation, play-off and title permutations for the final day of the Championship season on Saturday.

More than 700 people sign a petition to put a Teesside hospital trust into special measures.

Andy's Man Club now has 16 groups in the North East with record attendances in Sunderland.

Inspectors raise concerns about delays, but praise areas including tackling anti-social activities.

Newcastle Falcons full-back Louis Brown was sent off against Bath for a dangerous tackle.

Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick remains full of belief his side can win at Coventry City and claim a Championship play-off spot.

In a week where the traditional captain options have tricky fixtures, Bryan Mbeumo makes a solid choice against a distracted Manchester United.

Both men accused of felling the tree claim they did not have the skill to do so.

Police say the money Andrew Barber stole could have been used to benefit the children in Stockton.

A planning inspector upholds concerns that residents would complain about noise from the venue.

The network's new trains are back in service after a safety issue with the doors was identified.