Welcome to your daily look at the news in the North East.
Each afternoon we'll bring you some of the latest from the North East - from breaking news and top stories to NUFC updates and the cost of living latest.
Today we bring you the news that amid snow and icy conditions, schools are closed in many areas, while we also report on two terrifying falls from opposite ends of the North East in Seaham and in Hexham. There's also the heartbreaking story of Mark Summers, who lost brother Stephen to suicide two years ago this week.
This is your North East Today update.
Seaham rescue: Emergency services and coastguard helicopter called into action after man fell from cliffs
A Coastguard helicopter crew and paramedics rescued a man who had fallen from the cliffs at Nose's Point in Seaham on Thursday evening.
Three coastguard rescue teams and a helicopter from Humberside were required to rescue the man, who was then passed on to North East Ambulance Service and taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital. The emergency services were called shortly after 5pm.
The emergency services explained that the man was lifted to safety by the helicopter and transported to a nearby car park where the ambulance was waiting.
Morpeth man remembers 'devastating news' of brother's suicide two years on
A Morpeth man has spoken of the "devastating" day he was told his brother had taken his own life.
Two years on from the death by suicide of elder brother Stephen, Mark Summers wants to see better support for people with mental health problems and to highlight the "fantastic work" of two small charities.
Mark, 31, is looking to organise a charity event - which he promises will feature choreography to some of the brothers' favourite Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga songs - to showcase the support available from suicide prevention charities If U Care Share and Suicide&Co. Mark said his brother hadn't been given the support he needed, and he wants to do what he can to ensure others are not left in the same position.
Cramlington husband pushed wife down stairs amid 'friction' over his 'secret' daughter moving in
A husband pushed his wife down the stairs during a family row amid "friction" following his "secret" daughter moving in with them.
Anthony Martin shoved his partner down the stairs after words were exchanged between his adult daughter, who he had not initially told his wife about, and his partner. After a row last December over Martin asking why his wife had blocked his daughter on Facebook, he lost his temper and left her badly injured.
Now the 49-year-old, of Lodsworth Drive, Cramlington, Northumberland,who admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm, has been given a suspended prison sentence at Newcastle Crown Court. The victim attended the hearing in support of him and they are reconciled, the court heard.
Climber suffers serious injuries after falling on boulders in Northumberland
A climber suffered serious injuries after falling onto boulders in Northumberland.
Rescuers were called to East Woodburn Crag, near Hexham, after the climber fell and ripped his gear causing him to land onto the boulder strewn ground. The climber was treated at the scene before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, with serious injuries.
Leamside Line: MP accuses Labour of 'shameless attempt to buy votes' with promise to reopen mothballed route
A North East MP has accused Labour of a “shameless attempt to buy votes” in pledging to reopen a mothballed railway line.
Paul Howell, the Conservative MP for Sedgefield, claimed he was “astonished” by Labour spending promises as discord broke out over the region’s long-held ambitions to revitalise the Leamside Line.
It comes after shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh confirmed during a speech in Newcastle that Labour would revive the disused route, which runs between Gateshead and County Durham, if it was in Government – something a party spokesman confirmed was simply a “reiteration” of an existing Labour policy commitment to build the vast Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project in its entirety.
School closures around the North East due to 'severe weather'
A reminder that there are a number of school closures due to snow around the region today. Parts of the North East had heavy snowfall overnight, with weather warnings in place from the Met Office. People were told to expect disruption on the roads and public transport.
The bad weather also led to a string of school closures in County Durham. It is also worth checking the Durham County Council website here. And Northumberland has school closures too.
We have listed school closures around the region here.
- 'Shameless' Sunderland burglar gave himself away using stolen bank cards in newsagent
Major hand luggage rule axed at major UK airport for travellers with Newcastle to follow
Met Office issues new yellow weather warning over ice 'hazard'
Police investigating Sunderland robbery of teen release images of man and woman
Sainsbury's workers in Ryton left 'shaken' after armed robber steals money and cigarettes
