THE North East’s growing reputation as a cultural powerhouse could be harmed by deep or hasty funding cuts, argue leading figures in the arts.

Twelve people are arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs during raids on properties in County Durham.

Another man is quizzed in connection with the investigation into gunman Raoul Moat - bringing the total number of arrests to 21.

A 79-year-old driver suffers minor head injuries when his car crashes through the wall of a house on Teesside.

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DEVASTATED mum Jean Harrington today recalled the moment she was told her son had been found dead.

THE FAMILY of murdered karate instructor Chris Brown can soon lay him to rest. Gateshead Coroner Terence Carney has opened an inquest into the death of gunman Raoul Moat’s first victim.

Two young men have been found hanged in woodland in an apparent suicide pact.

A children's services department has been accused of trying to "spin its way out of it" after admitting a catalogue of "missed opportunities" to save a seven-year-old girl who starved to death.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly more than expected last week, offering a ray of hope for the anemic labor market recovery.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly more than expected last week, offering a ray of hope for the anemic labor market recovery.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly more than expected last week, offering a ray of hope for the anemic labor market recovery.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly more than expected last week, offering a ray of hope for the anemic labor market recovery.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly more than expected last week, offering a ray of hope for the anemic labor market recovery.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly more than expected last week, offering a ray of hope for the anemic labor market recovery.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly more than expected last week, offering a ray of hope for the anemic labor market recovery.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly more than expected last week, offering a ray of hope for the anemic labor market recovery.

Prosecutors say a Frenchwoman has admitted killing eight newborn babies after remains are found in a northern village but says her husband knew nothing.

Children's heart surgery should remain suspended at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital where four babies died, a report says.

Miliband criticises David Cameron, accusing him of"going off script"with hisremarks about Pakistan.

Dominique Cottrez accused of France's worst case of infanticide, her husbandis charged with hiding the bodies.

Police and firefighters are reminding people of the dangers of swimming in rivers after a woman saved a teenager from drowning in Prudhoe.

PRUDHOE Traders? Association is calling for a public inquiry over the handling of the Duke of Northumberland?s plans to redevelop the town centre.