BBC Local Live: North East England
Listen live to your BBC local radio station: BBC Newcastle and BBC Tees
Got a TV Licence?
Find out moreSummary
- Updates on Thursday 15 November 2018
Listen live to your BBC local radio station: BBC Newcastle and BBC Tees
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Airport closure warning
One of the region's airports could close in 2021 if a plan to bring it back into public ownership fails, according to an MP.
Alex Cunningham, the Labour member for Stockton North, says he fears the closure of Durham Tees Valley Airport is "exactly what is on the cards" when the current ownership arrangement run out in three years.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen says he is still hopeful of securing a deal to buy the loss making airport.
Envelope update
Severe accident: A1(M) County Durham northbound
A1(M) County Durham northbound severe accident, from J61 for A688 to J62 for A690.
A1(M) County Durham - A1(M) in Durham partially blocked and slow traffic northbound from J61, A688 (Bowburn) to J62, A690 (Carrville), because of a multi-vehicle accident.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Man attacked would-be blackmailer with a knife
Sunderland Echo
Newspaper
A blackmailer was left close to death by a victim who "turned the tables" when he was enticed to a house for sex, a court heard.
Fine warning to drivers who flout bus lane rules
Cameras on bus lanes across Gateshead are now live, the council has warned.
The devices have been installed on the Felling Bypass, Askew Rd and on the A690 between Winlaton Mill and Swalwell Roundabout.
During the transition period, anyone caught flouting the rules would have been given a warning letter.
However, from today they will now be fined.
Another mild day, with sunny spells
Abbie Dewhurst
Weather Presenter, BBC Look North
Any early mist will clear to leave a dry day, with sunny spells developing throughout the afternoon.
Temperatures will once again be on the mild side, reaching up to 13C (55F).
Envelope update
Severe accident: A19 County Durham northbound
A19 County Durham northbound severe accident, at A689 Coal Lane.
A19 County Durham - One lane closed on A19 northbound in Billingham at the A689 Coal Lane junction, because of a multi-vehicle accident. Congestion to A66.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
I, Daniel Blake actor opens food poverty exhibition
BBC Look North
North East and Cumbria
An exhibition looking at the the work of one of Newcastle's food banks and the stories of the people who rely upon it opens today in the city's Grainger Market.
The facility in the West End is one of the busiest in the country and featured in the Ken Loach film I, Daniel Blake.
Actor Dave Johns will open the exhibition which focuses on food poverty.
Meanwhile, the food bank is urging people to consider donating in the run up to the busy Christmas period.
Low rail adhesion causing Metro delays again
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage
We've got all the news, sport, travel and weather through the day.
If you want to get in touch with any news or send us photos you can tweet us, contact us via our Facebook page, or email.
Envelope update
Severe accident: A174 North Yorkshire westbound
A174 North Yorkshire westbound severe accident, from A1032 to A1044 Thornaby Road.
A174 North Yorkshire - One lane blocked on A174 westbound from the A1032 junction to the A1044 Thornaby Road junction, because of an accident involving one car. Traffic is coping well.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Used syringes in play areas and bus stops
Robby West
BBC Look East
Robby West
BBC Look East
A BBC investigation finds more than 100,000 used needles were collected in the UK in three years.
Read moreEnvelope update
Severe accident: A1(M) Tyne And Wear southbound
A1(M) Tyne And Wear southbound severe accident, from J65 for A1 to J64 for A195.
A1(M) Tyne And Wear - One lane blocked and slow traffic on A1(M) southbound in Tyne and Wear from J65, A1 (Birtley) to J64, A195 (Washington), because of an accident involving two cars.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Envelope update
Severe accident: A1(M) County Durham northbound
A1(M) County Durham northbound severe accident, from J61 for A688 to J62 for A690.
A1(M) County Durham - Lane closed and queuing traffic on A1(M) northbound in Durham from J61, A688 (Bowburn) to J62, A690 (Carrville), because of an accident involving three vehicles.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Eight fined over mine newt protests
The four men and four women claimed they were preventing wildlife crime against newts.
Read moreOur live coverage across the day
Our live updates have finished for the day. Thank you for joining us.
This feed will be updated overnight with any breaking news and sport stories as well as travel updates. You can also stay up to date with BBC Tees, BBC Newcastle and Look North.
We'll be back with more live updates from 08:00 tomorrow.
If you want to get in touch with any news or send us photos you can tweet us, contact us via our Facebook page, or email.
Trader sold fake Remembrance poppies
Barry Downs sold poppy brooches from a market stall but had no link to the Royal British Legion.
Read moreWeather: A dry night with some mist possible towards dawn
Tonight will be a dry night with southerly winds easing.
There will be clear periods too although some low cloud and mist may form in places towards dawn. Turning chilly in a few rural areas.
Minimum Temperature: 3 to 6C (37 to 43F).
Tomorrow will be a mild and less breezy day albeit with a lot of cloud at times. However, there should also be some bright or sunny spells.
Maximum Temperature: 9 to 12C (48 to 54F).
Morpeth homes appeal
Councillors have agreed the grounds on which an appeal over refused plans for more than 50 new homes in Morpeth will be fought.
A scheme for 53 properties on land north of The Garth, off Pottery Bank, was refused by the Castle Morpeth Local Area Council in February, against the advice of planning officers.
The reasons for refusal were a lack of information to assess whether it will have a "severe cumulative impact" on the road network, that the site is not designated for housing in the Morpeth Neighbourhood Plan, insufficient information on flood risk and the adverse impact on the amenity of residents at Pottery Bank Court.
The applicant, Persimmon Homes, lodged an appeal in August and an inquiry has now been listed for 4 to 7 June next year.
Two arrests following reports of a man with a machete
BBC Tees
Two men have been arrested after police were called to reports of a man with a machete on Yarm Road in Stockton this morning.
Officers stopped a BMW at about 09:35.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a weapon and a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving without a licence, drug driving and driving without insurance.
Both are in police custody.
Women searching for dresses after bridal chain collapse
Woman are desperately searching for new dresses after the collapse of bridal chain Berketex Bride.
The firm said its 11 outlets in the UK and one in Dublin would be closed from Tuesday and would not reopen.
One of those affected is Danielle who said: "It's all been totally stressful - it's meant to be the best day of your life."
The Newcastle branch where she had ordered her dress shut down last month and she was told her dress would be re-directed.
"With less than six months until my wedding I now need to find an off-the-peg dress.
"Thankfully I found a lovely dress store owner not too far from me who I'm going to see tomorrow, she's also offered discounts to all affected," she says.