News & Sport

The English National Cross Country Championships will return to County Durham for the first time in 25 years, set to take place at Hardwick East Park in Sedgefield.

This County Durham prison is home to some of Britain's most vile criminals - here is who is currently locked away at 'Monster Mansion'.

For years, Sarah, a mum-of-three from Durham, woke up feeling groggy, anxious and ashamed. Today, she’s thriving as an office manager, happily married and preparing to take on her first ultra-marathon.

A child sex offender was told to expect to be jailed when he is sentenced at court in the New Year.

A sex offending pensioner risked spending Christmas behind bars after he was found to have installed a private internet browsing app in breach of a court order.

While Kylie Minogue recently secured the official UK Christmas Number One with her hit ‘XMAS’, the North East has been busy casting its own tactical votes. Durham OnAir, the local radio station for County Durham, has concluded its annual poll to find the region’s definitive festive favorite. After weeks of voting from listeners across the region from Wolsingham to Pelaw, Darlington, Durham, Newcastle and Gateshead, the results are ready to be unveiled.

Singer Chris Rea, known for the festive hit 'Driving Home For Christmas', has died at the age of 74. His family said he died peacefully in hospital after a short illness. Christopher Anton Rea, the Middlesbrough-born blues-rock legend known for his soulful slide guitar and unmistakable husky baritone, has passed away at 74. From his start in music at age 22 to selling over 40 million albums, Rea’s journey was defined by a grit that mirrored the industrial landscape of his northern roots.

Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live and Sonia Friedman Productions are delighted to announce further casting for the 2026/2027 UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, visiting Sunderland Empire from Monday 6 – Saturday 11 April 2026. Joining the previously announced Emily Lane as Cady Heron, Vivian Panka as Regina George, Sophie Pourret as Karen Smith, Georgie Buckland as Janis Sarkisian, Max Gill as Damian Hubbard, Karim Zeroual as Kevin Ganatra and Joshua Elmore as Mr Duvall, are Faye Tozer as Ms Heron/Ms Norbury/Mrs George and Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners.

A life-sized, official LEGO® sculpture of everyone’s favourite bookworm, Matilda, is arriving at Fenwick Newcastle this December! Built in partnership with Sunderland Empire, the spectacular statue celebrates the North East arrival of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi-award-winning West End production Matilda The Musical this February.

HC-One’s St Margaret’s Care Home in Crossgate, County Durham, recently hosted its much-anticipated annual Christmas Fayre, bringing together residents, families, and the local community for a festive celebration.

The paid 12-month course is aimed at under-25s, with plans for the scheme to grow to 1,000 young people a year.

The huge embroidery will be covered under the government's indemnity scheme when it travels to the UK.

For Alaa Abdel Fattah and his family this is a new beginning after years of separation and suffering.

The celebrity chef says he "couldn't be a prouder dad" as his 25-year-old daughter ties the knot at Bath Abbey.

Liverpool and Wolves pay tribute to Diogo Jota as his two former sides meet for the first time since his death.

Middlesbrough head into the January transfer window intent on strengthening their squad as they look to maintain their promotion push in the second half of the season

Newcastle United are in the market to strengthen in January, though it'll be tweaks rather than major work to their squad.

How Sunderland are preparing to approach the January transfer window

Kim Hellberg is hoping Middlesbrough’s mounting defensive injury crisis is “not too dangerous” - but does not know when Adilson Malanda can play

Regis Le Bris is hoping his Sunderland side will be able to “fine-tune” their attacking quality as they look to build on their superb return to the top-flight