Sunderland City Council wants to build a new visitor centre and cafe.

The facility is to replace the old West Denton pool, but its opening has faced repeated setbacks.

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.

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?

Rowan Hague targeted 15 people and stole bikes, phones and jewellery, a court hears.

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.

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 Durham police chief is seeking views on where funds should be directed.

The plans for eight apartments have been submitted to Sunderland City Council.

Traders are welcoming the works but the council leader says the redevelopment "won't be easy".

Durham sign West Indies pace bowler Chemar Holder for their final three Championship games of 2024, replacing the injured Neil Wagner.

A charity running Newcastle's green spaces faces a significant cash shortfall.

The 1930s lake has been hit by continuous low levels of water.

England fast bowler Mark Wood is ruled out for the remainder of the year with a stress fracture in his right elbow.

Councillors want to hold Northumbrian Water accountable for "past and ongoing pollution".