Sunderland and Wear News
Keep up to date with the latest news and sports articles for Sunderland and Wear. You will also find links on the left that will direct you to local and national newspaper websites and publications.

Men arrested after woman critically hurt in crash
The A19 northbound at Holystone reopens after closing so police could investigate the crash.

Home-town musicians to give star a helping hand
Hetton-le-Hole-born Trevor Horn invites The Welfare Collective members to perform in Newcastle.

Your pictures: Bright winter sun through the clouds
Our BBC Weather Watchers share photos of north-east England and Cumbria enjoying the winter sun.

Warm Welcome hubs an 'important' helping hand
Dozens of venues are offering free drop-ins for anyone struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

Trust's 147ft tree sets Christmas world record
The Cragside tree is more than twice the size of the Angel of the North and was planted in the 1860s.

Police plans in place for Wear-Tyne derby
Newcastle fans are free to make their own travel arrangements for next weekend's Sunderland clash.

HIV rape accuser, 15, cannot say man's name
Adam Hall denies inflicting grievous bodily harm on seven men, including one who was 15.

'Full-time burglar' tried to stab charity shop man
Christopher Cook was caught trying to break into a safe by a charity shop manager, a court hears.

Charities back MP's 'iconic' tree bill
Joe Morris says a register of 'iconic' trees will help young people better appreciate them.

What would happen if Storm Desmond hit today?
Ten years on, is northern England better prepared to face the devastating floods if hit again?

At-risk schools to face second consultation
Campaigners have another opportunity to give alternative solutions to possible mergers or closures.

Arson gang rammed Range Rover into rival's home
Five men are jailed for their involvement in two arson attacks in Newcastle three days apart.

Homes shut down over drug and violence concerns
Anti-social behaviour, violence and drug crimes were linked to the houses in Gateshead, police say.

Shoplifters sent to court without being arrested
Newcastle shoplifters are fast-tracked to court after being caught on film to speed up prosecutions.

Ballroom dancer, 11, stars in portrait exhibition
The image of Abe, taken by Christopher Owens, is on display in the National Portrait Gallery.

Indie filmmaker 'following in Danny Boyle?s footsteps'
A Tyneside Cinema first showing "is like a mirror image because the 28 Years premiere was here as well".

Young footballers hear veteran's Army experiences
Veteran Andy Taylor, a Royal Engineer who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, chats with the youngsters.

Radio presenters finish three-legged charity feat
Presenters Matt and Anna complete their part of the thousand-mile challenge for BBC Children in Need.

Metro drivers say goodbye as old train scrapped
Jon and Lesley watch as beloved Metro carriage 4067 is ripped apart after it was decommissioned.

'I always wanted to be on Drag Race'
Twelve queens take to the runway, but will Sally TM be crowned the UK?s next Drag Race superstar?

Newcastle snatch win in Lyon with late double
Late tries by Tom Christie and Oli Spencer launch Newcastle's Challenge Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory against last year's runners-up Lyon.

Newcastle have money to spend in January - Wilson
Newcastle United have money to spend in January - but sporting director Ross Wilson says any mid-season moves will have to "align" with their summer plan.

Gateshead cup run 'paying for past not future'
Gateshead's FA Cup run is not paying for the future but will pay off the success the club has had in the past, according to boss Alun Armstrong.

Newcastle want to be 'top club in world' by 2030
Newcastle United "in the debate about being the top club in the world" according to new CEO David Hopkinson.

Hislop being treated for aggressive prostate cancer
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop says he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and urges men of Caribbean heritage to get tested for the disease.

Bowler Wood casts doubt on fitness for third Test
England bowler Mark Wood casts doubt on his availability for the third Ashes Test because of his knee injury.

Eleven and hell - the cost of Newcastle's dropped points
Newcastle United have dropped more points from winning positions than any other side in the Premier League this season - the tally now stands at 11 after Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

Pardew ready for Metalist threat
Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew says there will be no surprises from Metalist Kharkiv in their Europa League tie.

Kibirige signs Falcons pro deal
Newcastle Falcons winger Zach Kibirige signs a first professional contract at Kingston Park.

RFU trials ref-cam this weekend
The RFU will trial a "ref-cam" during the televised Championship game between Newcastle and London Scottish on Sunday.

Southampton game key - Larsson
Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson thinks Saturday's match with Southampton is important to their survival chances.

Newcastle 1-3 Man City
Goals from Sergio Aguero, Javi Garcia and Yaya Toure earn Manchester City a deserved 3-1 win at Newcastle.

Man Utd 3-1 Sunderland
Manchester United restore their six-point advantage at the top of the Premier League after a 3-1 win over Sunderland.

O'Neill targets January signings
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill says he must strengthen his squad in the January transfer window as they look to avoid relegation.

O'Neill doubters wrong - Ferguson
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says it is "absolutely ridiculous" for anyone to question Martin O'Neill.

Pardew - one win could revive us
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew says beating Manchester City on Saturday could revive his team's stuttering Premier League campaign.

Harker to exit Durham post in May
David Harker is to stand down as Durham County Cricket Club chief executive in May 2013 after 20 years in the post.

Smith undaunted by Gateshead task
Anth Smith says he is not daunted by the pressure of taking charge at Blue Square Bet Premier side Gateshead.
Two missing after entering river to evade police
Police say they are "extremely concerned" for their welfare of the men, as the search continues.
Hillsborough victim's relative followed by police for a week, report finds
The police watchdog received 25 complaints about surveillance from people connected to the disaster.
Four arrested after crumble and custard thrown at Crown Jewels display
The Tower of London was partially closed to the public while the police investigated.
Prince William praises 'inspiring' Kevin Sinfield
Sinfield is close to finishing his latest challenge to support the motor neurone disease community.
'The tattoo on my arm is now on my tongue after cancer treatment'
Harriet Trewhitt, 21, was diagnosed with stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma earlier this year.
Homes damaged in 'mini tornado', say residents
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports a garage door and roof had blown away.
'Teeny-tiny' Christmas tree sparks confusion
A councillor defends a newly planted council Christmas tree after locals said was too small.
Council leader expelled from Reform UK lambasts MP
Ian Cooper breaks his silence after being exposed for allegedly making racist comments online.
Fire engulfs historic ballroom and nightclub
A fire has broken out at Brighouse's old Venue 73 nightclub, previously known as the Ritz Ballroom.
'Awful' Christmas drone show postponed again
Free tickets to the Kent show were offered to people who complained about a previous show.
Girl, 11, stars in film with Kiefer Sutherland
Matilda, 11, says actor, who plays her character's dad, was "professional and kind" during shoot.
Elf movie costume sells for £239,000 at auction
The costume from the festive favourite exceeds expectations, while a hat from Indiana Jones tops £300,000.