Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Nigel Farage of “fakery” over Reform UK membership numbers, after his party said they had surpassed the Tories in signed-up members. A digital tracker on Reform’s website shows its membership numbers have overtaken the 131,680 figure declared by the Conservatives earlier this year. BadenochContinue Reading
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to his younger brother Nick, who had cancer, after he died on Boxing Day at the age of 60. “My brother Nick was a wonderful man,” Starmer said in a statement. “He met all the challenges life threw at him with courageContinue Reading
Tributes have been paid to a cyclist who died in a crash two days before Christmas. Anthony Brian Milburn died in the collision with a BMW on the A688 close to Binchester Services, near Bishop Auckland in County Durham. The 34-year-old dad was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital inContinue Reading
In a shocking incident on Christmas Day morning, ambulance workers were subjected to violence while attempting to provide care to someone in need. A North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) first responder was returning to her station in a rapid response vehicle when she noticed a person sitting alone in theContinue Reading
Officers have released images of a man they would like to identify after they received a report that counterfeit bank notes were used at a shop in Newcastle city centre. Police received a report that just after 2.30pm on Friday, November 22, a man entered CEX Entertainment on Northumberland Street.Continue Reading
Alasdair MacConachie OBE, a revered philanthropist, business leader, and dedicated community campaigner, passed away on Christmas Day at Darlington Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was 78. Mr. MacConachie’s impact on Darlington and beyond is immeasurable. As the driving force behind Sherwoods Motor Group, he built a thriving businessContinue Reading
A campaign group says a railway line’s new timetable is “bad” for north-east England. South East Northumberland Rail User Group (SENRUG) understands the changes to the East Coast Main Line, external, due to come into operation in December 2025, mean Morpeth will lose three LNER northbound and two southbound services, as wellContinue Reading
Work to prop up part of a dangerous flyover has begun, a council has confirmed. Gateshead Highway closed suddenly on 13 December after investigations judged the 1960s structure to be dangerous. Metro services between Monument and Heworth, which run in tunnels under the flyover, were also suspended and replaced byContinue Reading
Three taxi marshals have been removed from duty after a passenger was reportedly pressured into giving them a tip. Darlington Borough Council was told a person was not allowed to get into a taxi without tipping a marshal over the weekend. It said the marshals had been pulled from dutyContinue Reading
Thousands of tonnes of food, including festive favourites like brussels sprouts and potatoes, that might otherwise go to waste will be delivered to those who need it most, thanks to a new £15 million government fund. An estimated 330,000 tonnes of edible food is either wasted or repurposed as animalContinue Reading
On Boxing Day morning, hundreds of brave souls gathered at Redcar’s seafront for the annual Boxing Dip, plunging into the icy North Sea to raise funds for North East charities. The event, a cherished tradition in the area, sees participants of all ages donning festive costumes, from Santa suits toContinue Reading
SOUTH Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the first trust in the region to implement the national paediatric early warning score (PEWS) system in a digital format. NHS England is rolling out a national standardised approach of tracking the deterioration of children in hospital. The National Paediatric Early Warning Score or PEWS will allow for consistencyContinue Reading
A 31-year-old man has been left with serious injuries following a violent attack inside a Redcar nightclub during the early hours of Christmas Day. The incident occurred at The Deck on Bath Street at approximately 2:20 a.m., Cleveland Police said. The victim sustained “extensive injuries to his ear,” a biteContinue Reading
A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery following an armed police response in Hardwick, Stockton. Cleveland Police were called to Newham Road at approximately 8:35 p.m. on Thursday after receiving reports of a robbery involving a 40-year-old woman. Officers, including armed units, quickly attended the scene andContinue Reading
A coroner has criticised an ambulance trust after they failed to deal with complaints relating to an ‘unsafe’ paramedic before he killed a junior colleague in a horror smash. ‘Beautiful’ Alice Clark, 21, suffered catastrophic injuries when Edward Riding crashed their emergency vehicle into the rear of a cement lorry,Continue Reading
A sudden push by GPs across the UK to reduce or completely withdraw prescription painkillers from patients has left many in agony, with some turning to medical and illegal cannabis for relief, Kearney FM has learned. Patients suffering from chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, and post-surgical complications, report beingContinue Reading
The cost of in-home care has become a contentious issue in the North East, with residents in Middlesbrough and Darlington facing vastly different financial demands for similar services. The disparity has raised questions about fairness and the financial pressures placed on vulnerable individuals. In Middlesbrough, a 23-year-old receiving essential in-homeContinue Reading
Walking groups are heading into the hills on Christmas Day, with organisers saying “nobody should be alone if they don’t want to be”. Newcastle Hiking has a walk planned in Northumberland, with a separate group meeting in Keswick, Cumbria. Steve Upton, from Newcastle, decided to organise one after he spentContinue Reading
Pet owners are being urged to be careful over Christmas after a kitten was left fighting for his life when he ate netting from a roast beef. Bear was just six months old when he helped himself to leftovers at owner Joshua Simpson’s home in Darlington last Boxing Day. HeContinue Reading
The collision occurred at 07:40 GMT on Monday on the A688 at Binchester Blocks, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and involved a BMW 5 Series car. The cyclist, a man in his 30s, was airlifted to Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital but died later, Durham Police said. The road wasContinue Reading
An eight-year-old boy who lives with a disability has been praised for saving the life of his dad who had slipped into a diabetic coma. Durham Police said Tyler gave the 999 call handler “vital information”, while also keeping his four-year-old sister calm, after dad Jamie Miller became seriously illContinue Reading
A family has lost “everything” in a fire which gutted their home. The property in Thornaby Road, Thornaby, Teesside, was damaged by the blaze on Monday afternoon and two people were taken to hospital for treatment. Cleveland Fire Brigade said it attended the scene just after 15:20 GMT and wasContinue Reading
Officers are appealing to the public for their help to locate a missing South Tyneside man. Mark Forshaw, aged 36, was last seen in the North Road area of Boldon Colliery between 7.30am and 8am on Monday (December 23). However, Mark has not been heard from since – as officersContinue Reading
Police are appealing for information after a pedestrian is left with life-threatening injuries following a collision in Gateshead. Shortly after 11:15pm yesterday (Monday), police received a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a vehicle on High West Street, in the Gateshead area. It was reported that a blackContinue Reading
Officers searching for a wanted man are appealing to the public to help locate him. Wayne Fenwick, 25, is wanted on a prison recall and is understood to be actively evading arrest. Extensive searches to locate him have been ongoing across the region. Fenwick has links across the Northumbria area –Continue Reading
Officers are appealing for the public’s help to locate a missing North Tyneside woman. Chelsea Beavers, 25, from the North Shields area, was last seen at about 2.30pm on Saturday. Police and Chelsea’s family are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare. Chelsea is described as white, 5ft 6in tall of slim build with longContinue Reading
The A1M in North Yorkshire/County Durham is closed in both directions between J57 (Stapleton) and J58 (Darlington) due to a collision involving two vehicles. Emergency services are on scene. National Highways Traffic Officers are also in attendance assisting with traffic management. Collision investigation will be taking place so the roadContinue Reading
A man who left a family traumatised after a fake kidnapping report led to armed police raiding their home as they ate dinner has been jailed. Ricki Kendall, 30, called 999 to say he had seen a man being bundled into a house at knifepoint in Newcastle last December, theContinue Reading
The Tyne and Wear Metro’s brand-new trains have officially hit the tracks—and the first passengers to board were left in awe, calling the experience “absolutely amazing.” Excitement reached a fever pitch on Wednesday morning as the £362 million fleet of state-of-the-art Stadler-built carriages made its highly anticipated debut. Word spreadContinue Reading
Two popular Christmas markets in the UK have been rebranded as “Winter Markets” to avoid causing offence—a decision that has sparked heated debate and left many questioning the nation’s values and identity. The move, reportedly made to create a more inclusive atmosphere, has drawn both praise and criticism. However, forContinue Reading
Officers have been out in force across the UK to disrupt rogue employers who hire migrants illegally and exploit vulnerable people, and to address the promise of illegal jobs that are used by criminal smuggling gangs to sell spaces in small boats crossing the Channel. Particular focus has been onContinue Reading
A special Letters to Heaven post box has been installed at the Stockton-on-Tees Crematorium to allow grieving relatives to send letters to loved ones who are no longer with us. Bereaved family and friends can post cards, letters and other messages into the white and gold memorial post box, andContinue Reading
Latest situation Take action to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading. Be vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe. 23 December 2024 Following the report of suspicion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry at a premises near Hingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (AIV SOSContinue Reading
A former professional footballer has been banned from being a company director for eight years. Kieron Minto-St.Aimie claimed a £25,000 Covid Bounce Back Loan for the St Aimie’s Sports Academy Community Interest Company in Brent, when it was entitled to much less. Elizabeth Pigney, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:Continue Reading
A FORMER patient who suffered a life-threatening stroke has praised a hospital team for saving her life. Jillian Ryan, 62, is back to running her home business after suffering from a severe stroke earlier this year. In September 2023, Jill woke up in her home in Thirsk with a denseContinue Reading
A specialist team setup to assist our takedown of serious and organised crime has now passed the milestone of 500 years in jail sentences. Operation Venetic was launched in 2020 with our officers working alongside international law enforcement agencies to clampdown on organised criminal networks by infiltrating the encrypted messagingContinue Reading
The first of 10 potentially life-saving bleed kits has been installed in a city, as part of an initiative by a murdered teenager’s parents. Connor Brown died in a knife attack in Sunderland in 2019, and his parents Tanya and Simon Brown set up a trust in his name. ThisContinue Reading
Local musicians have joined forces to raise more than £50,000 for a charity tackling child poverty in Sunderland. A large concert – involving more than 10 bands – was held at the Fire Station earlier this month. Organisers said £51,955 had been raised – more than any other single charityContinue Reading
A landlord has been forced to pay more than £25,000 for failing to get licences for six of his homes. Kamran Adil’s properties in Blackhall Colliery, near Peterlee in County Durham, had problems including electrical hazards and structural concerns. Durham County Council uses selective licences to regulate landlords and ensureContinue Reading
Officers are appealing to the public for their help to locate a missing teenage girl. Santana Hailstones, aged 13, was last seen in the Westgate Road area of Newcastle city centre at around 5pm on Friday (December 20). However, Santana has not been heard from since – and officers areContinue Reading
A three-year-old girl who had a life-saving organ transplant will appear on the Christmas special of Casualty to highlight the importance of donation. Beatrix, from Burnopfield in County Durham, spent more than a year in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle waiting for a new heart. She had her transplant inContinue Reading
Workers at the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) office in Newcastle are set to commence an eight-week strike on Monday. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) announced the strike to support three colleagues it claims were unfairly dismissed. A picket line is planned outside HMRC’s Benton Park offices, accordingContinue Reading
Animal Rising has released footage from facilities as part of its probe into the RSPCA’s “Assured Scheme,” which certifies farms, food producers, and retailers meeting specific animal welfare standards. The RSPCA responded by stating it takes poor animal welfare allegations “incredibly seriously.” The charity denied claims of inaction, highlighting increasedContinue Reading
Kearney FM’s Managing Director, Aaron Kearney, is set to launch his brand-new podcast, The Daily Dose of Aaron, on 31st December 2024. The podcast promises to cover “everything and anything,” offering listeners engaging conversations, insightful stories, and plenty of surprises. New episodes will be released every Wednesday and Sunday atContinue Reading
A new puppet theatre in Newcastle has been vandalised, just days after reaching its fundraising target to establish a permanent space. Moving Parts Arts, the organisation behind the popular Newcastle Puppetry Festival, was preparing to transform an abandoned AA call centre in Elswick into a creative hub for puppetry andContinue Reading
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
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
