Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

I couldn't see any point in Essex continuing with their first innings today, given so much time was lost in this game to the weather yesterday.

However, the talk around the ground was about how they would bat on. Yet 15 minutes before the start of day four the declaration was announced, with the hosts 124 ahead at 457-8.

The bowling conditions were also good. It's cold, overcast and windy. Very autumnal.

It was a good decision because in no time they had both openers gone. Alex Lees fell for five and Emilio Gay for 13, both LBW to Jamie Porter in consecutive overs from The Gooch End.

Ben McKinney and David Bedingham restored a bit of calm before McKinney left a ball from Simon Harmer and was bowled on 11. Durham trail by 79 runs.

Fulwell will have a new tree after last year's was damaged by vandals who stripped its decorations.

Thomas Kwan, 54, is charged with the attempted murder of a man in his 70s.

Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards, Coventry City's Frank Lampard, West Bromwich Albion's Ryan Mason and Stoke City's Mark Robins are nominated for the Championship's manager of the month award for August.

Pokémania, after taking the world by storm in the 1990s, is booming almost three decades later.

A game against a leaky Burnley defence is too juicy to pass up for Florian Wirtz, even though the expensive German has failed to deliver so far.

Organisers are urging people to be wary of scams as some opt to sell the "error" medals for £5,000.

Durham's council leader has called on others to exit the Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility.

Dozens of tickets for Newcastle United's Champions League opener against Barcelona have been bought by a school in Scotland, to the dismay of some regular fans.

The Blyth Bebside station on the Northumberland Line is due to open on 19 October.

A file on the woman's death is being prepared by Cleveland Police for the coroner.

Durham and England paceman Matthew Potts takes 3-95 as Essex build a first-innings lead of 124 on a rain-shortened day three.

The boating lake at Newcomen Terrace in Coatham has been blighted by low water levels for years.

Data shows domestic abuse referrals decreased last year but overall referrals are rising.

Thomas Kwan, 54, has been charged with the attempted murder of a man in his 70s.

Sunderland primary schools bring in measures aimed at tackling inconsiderate parking.

Middlesbrough Head of Football Kieran Scott says that it was Rob Edwards' "passion" and "energy" that made him the right pick for their vacant head coach role.