Saltwell Park fireworks cancelled due to rain

The ground is saturated in Gateshead's Saltwell Park, following two storms and days of heavy rain

Saltwell Park fireworks display has been cancelled after "unprecedented levels" of rainfall.

The fireworks display, billed as the biggest in the region, was set to to take place on Saturday, 4 November.

Gateshead Council said an inspection found that "saturated grounds" posed a "potential risk to the safety and comfort" of those attending.

The event included two timed fireworks displays, alongside live music, fairground rides and food vendors.

The council and Metro Radio expressed "deep regret" over Saturday's cancellation, but said the health and safety of contractors and visitors was of "paramount importance, whilst also considering the preservation of the park grounds for residents and visitors going forward".

People who purchased tickets in advance could expect a full refund in the next 5-10 working days, a statement on Facebook confirmed.

Thornaby Cricket Club, in Stockton-on-Tees, has rescheduled its fireworks display to next week

Thornaby Cricket Club's fireworks display has also been postponed due to "heavy rain". The display was scheduled for Saturday, but will now be held on 10 November.

Friday evening's Festival of Light in Mowbray Park, Sunderland is another casualty of the bad weather. It comes after a yellow weather warning was issued across the North East in the wake of Storm Ciarán.

Organisers are monitoring the weather forecast to determine whether the festival can go ahead this weekend.

Transport disruption

On Thursday, the south coast of England and the Channel Islands were battered with heavy rain and winds of up to 100mph - with the storm knocking out power to thousands of homes, closing schools, damaging property and disrupting travel.

More locally, sand was washed away from Blyth promenade and the southern end closed, and there was a landslide at cliffs at Marsden Bay, South Shields.

A number of flood warnings are still in place across the region.

Extreme weather is expected to continue on Friday, with downpours and very strong winds affecting Scotland and parts of northern England

Several LNER train services were cancelled on Friday, while others face significant delay.

The trains, mostly running between Edinburgh and London Kings Cross, have suffered disruption after overhead electric wires were damaged by the storm.

LNER said: "We have an limited train service, and trains that are running will be extremely busy.

"We expect significant service alterations and cancellations today, Friday 3 November, due to our trains and crews being out of place."