Durham OnAir

A man who sawed down a community Christmas tree in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, “as some sort of joke” and hid the tool behind his fridge freezer has been spared jail time.

The A1(M) has fully reopened in County Durham after a crash between junctions 59 and 60, near the Bishop Auckland and Sedgefield turn-off.

A Darlington man in the grip of a psychotic episode left a woman terrified when she found him picking up knives in her kitchen.

The northbound carriageway of the A1(M) is currently closed between Junction 59 and Junction 60 due to a collision.

The former Bishop Auckland masonic hall has fallen into further disrepair amid stalled redevelopment plans and challenges with funding.

Former England captain and 2003 Rugby World Cup-winner Lewis Moody and a team of rugby legends have set off on an epic 500-mile charity cycling challenge to raise funds for motor neuron disease research.

The nation has spoken and crowned the Peacock Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in a landmark poll. Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has today revealed that the colourful Peacock has beaten off fierce competition from a colourful cast of species to take the top spot as Britain’s Favourite Butterfly.

Chester-le-EATS is back for its fifth anniversary celebrations, bringing even more for food and drink lovers to enjoy with the launch of brand-new masterclasses.

Pupils at Wynyard Church of England Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees have helped to name a new housing development taking shape in the village.

A UK-registered yacht reported shots were fired by the frigate off the coast of the Isle of Wight.

It comes as ex-defence secretary John Healey says the UK's enemies "do not follow timetables set by the Treasury".

The prime minister says the UK is working with other countries on a plan to protect vessels in the key waterway.

The environment secretary says the deal does not do enough for consumers or the environment.

Lee Cattermole has taken on his first managerial position as boss of National League side Gateshead

Tino Livramento will miss out on the World Cup after suffering an injury in training ahead of England’s opening game against Croatia

Luke O'Nien has spelled out the Sunderland importance of experienced goalkeeper Simon Moore

Tottenham are the latest club said to be interested in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer