An emergency department consultant has described the strain caused by “Black Eye Friday” as “demoralising” for NHS staff. The last Friday before Christmas, a popular night for festive celebrations, is notorious for a surge in alcohol-related incidents, which adds significant pressure to already stretched hospital services. Staff at the NorthContinue Reading

Just days after the announced closure of Middlesbrough’s Cineworld, Odeon has confirmed plans to take over the venue. The cinema, located on Marton Road, is among several Cineworld sites impacted by a nationwide restructuring plan and is slated to close in January. Landlords Legal & General (L&G) announced that OdeonContinue Reading

A non-league footballer has appeared in court charged with the murder of another player following an altercation at York Station. James Hitchcock, a goalkeeper for Barton Town FC, sustained serious injuries on 15 December after a night out in York. He passed away in hospital on Wednesday. Mckenzie Dicicco, 22,Continue Reading

A paedophile caught in an online sting where he thought he was sending sexual messages to a 14-year-old girl has been jailed for three years. Nathaniel Morley, 26, invited the “girl” to commit a sex act, not realising he was talking to online paedophile hunters, Teesside Crown Court heard. AfterContinue Reading

 new skate park and the transformation of a play area have been granted planning permission. Guisborough’s King George V playing fields in Howlbeck Road will undergo changes to benefit an area “which has been in sad decline”, ward councillor Bill Clarke said. The application described plans for “wheeled play provision”,Continue Reading

Image (C) Durham Police A man who stabbed his ex-partner more than 30 times after she told him she didn’t want to be with him anymore has been jailed for 17 years. Andrew Fowler stabbed his former partner, Anastasia Wade, around 35 times on her arms, back and neck whileContinue Reading

Holidaymakers who decide to drive under the influence once they touch down at the airport are being targeted as part of a new police operation. The first of its kind in the North East, Operation Take Off sees Durham officers team up with Northumbria Police to take dangerous drivers offContinue Reading

Mason Longstaff from the Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland area who was a volunteer with local charity Angel Trust has been convicted. He has been convicted with 18 months suspended sentence and had to sign a SHPO for 10 years. Angel Trust in a statement has said: Recently, social mediaContinue Reading

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Thousands of people will receive their benefit payments earlier than usual this month due to the upcoming bank holidays for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Here’s what you need to know: Why Are Payments Early? Benefit payments are typically not processed on bank holidays. If your paymentContinue Reading

Arriva North East will implement fare changes starting January 1, 2025. In response to customer and stakeholder feedback regarding the complexity of the single fare structure, most single fares in the region will now be set at £1.60 or £1.70 for short trips, £2.30 for slightly longer journeys, and cappedContinue Reading