Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

Ben Slater enjoys playing Durham. His highest score in FC cricket is 225* in a win in Chester-le-Street in 2022.

He now has eight half-centuries against them as well, following his 50 today which included 10 fours.

Durham thought they had him caught behind on 35 but umpire Graeme Lloyd said he wasn't out. Bowler Matthew Potts was celebrating with his colleagues at the time.

On a good batting track, is this going to be another occasion where Slater cashes in against Durham?

He's just hit three boundaries in one over off George Drissell.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy says the development could boost the North East economy for "decades".

Telling Tales sees people join historians to share memories of sites along the Tyne Derwent Way.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

Haseeb Hameed and Ben Slater have given Notts a good start here as they have moved to a 50 partnership inside 17 overs.

There's been little in the way of nervous moments so far either and it looks like it is a good batting track.

It is going to be a late finish after issues with the sprinklers delayed the start by 45 minutes this morning.

I called it Sprinklergate. A listener called in Watergate, but I don't think that's likely to catch on!

About 1,000 tonnes of hazardous and non-hazardous materials are taken away as part of the scheme.

BBC Radio Five Live reporter Adam Cottier gives his assessment on Middlesbrough's return to form following their 2-0 victory at Blackburn Rovers.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

It's another lovely, sunny morning on the banks of The Trent, but it does feel a bit cooler compared to yesterday. We have a northerly breeze as well.

Paul Coughlin and Matthew Potts are the last pair in for Durham and as we head into day two they need another 30 runs to reach a fourth batting point, which would be nice from the visitor's point of view.

Both batsmen boast centuries in the County Championship so it could quite easily happen. If not they already appear to have a decent total, given the fact they were put in yesterday morning, but there is an extremely short boundary on the Bridgford Road side of the ground, which only measures 49 yards at one point.

Chief visitor officer Andrew Usher says the move will "encourage pilgrimage from a broad spectrum".

Lyricist Sir Tim Rice brings his latest tour to Sunderland, home of the football team he loves.

It is hoped enough volunteers will be secured to help run a daily service to welcome visitors.

Colin Ackermann posts the first century of the County Championship season as Durham recover to 370-9 against Nottinghamshire.

Keepers in Cumbria, County Durham, Northumberland and Tyneside must keep their birds inside.

Jeffrey Rose, 75, is jailed after living at large for years before being brought to justice.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

Colin Ackermann has got a century on his 34th birthday.

He was bowled on 80 by Lyndon James, but the bail jumped off the stump and re-settled back into its groove!

It's his 27th in FC cricket and third for Durham.

It's the first in the County Championship this season as well. It came in 174 balls, 15x4 and 1x6.

He'll enjoy his birthday tea in a few minutes.

Northumberland County Council hopes the restoration will provide an economic boost to Alnwick.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

It's Colin Ackermann's 34th birthday today. He's on 80. He's just been bowled by Lyndon James but the bails didn't fall off so he's still out there.

I think he should buy a lottery ticket as well.

There were plenty of celebrations from the Notts players but Ackermann stayed in his crease and eventually the penny dropped.

It's another FPL week where you can try your luck against captain Mohamed Salah, with Alexander Isak on the road against struggling Leicester an excellent alternative, writes Thomas Woods

Events are planned for the tournament's opening match in Sunderland on 22 August.