Tyne Tees News

Some of the UK's most dramatic bridges are celebrated in a new set of stamps launched by Royal Mail.

Ten bridges feature in the collection of first-class stamps, while a special postmark will be issued today.

The featured North East bridges are:

1 - Robert Stephenson's High Level Bridge, Newcastle/Gateshead

2 - Royal Border Bridge, Berwick-upon-Tweed

3 - Tees Transporter Bridge, Middlesbrough

Andrew Hammond, head of stamps and collectibles at Royal Mail, said:

Residents in a Teesside town have voted in favour of becoming independent from their borough council.

In a postal referendum, more than 4,000 people were in favour of the proposal – that’s 72% of those who voted, with a 32% turnout.

The referendum is not legally binding so any changes would be dependent on the authority requesting the Boundary Commission carry out a review.

A similar referendum was held in Yarm last year, which saw 89% of residents vote to leave the borough, but the move was later vetoed by Stockton councillors.

Leader of Stockton Council,Councillor Bob Cook, said:

Millwall manager Ian Holloway was 'gutted' after last night's 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough.

Patrick Bamford, Kike and Jelle Vossen scored the goals as Boro returned to the top of the Championship table.

The result also means Millwall remain in the relegation zone, six points from safety.

A man’s body has been recovered from a beach at a South Tyneside coastal beauty spot.

Police were called to the beach at Whitburn, South Tyneside, just before 7.30am today.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and police said there was no third party involvement.

The start and finish times for the Tour de Yorkshire have been announced today, along with the precise location details of the race starts and finishes.

The major international cycling race will be held on the 1st – 3rd May with the routes for the three days taking the event through some of the county’s most spectacular scenery.

The routes were announced in Bridlington earlier this year and now the race organisers, Welcome to Yorkshire and the Amaury Sport Organisation based in France, have announced the timings and details of the location starts and finishes.

Stage one from Bridlington to Scarborough will have a ceremonial start at 11.45am on South Marine Drive outside the Bridlington Spa. Riders will have a 5km neutralised section before the official race start at Sewerby at 12 noon.

Depending on rider’s speed the race will finish between 4pm and 4.30pm on Royal Albert Drive in Scarborough.

Key timings for stage one include Dalby Forest King of the Mountain climb at approximately 1.15pm, a sprint through Pickering at approximately 1.40pm, Rosedale Abbey King of the Mountain climb at approximately 2.08pm, Grosmont King of the Mountain climb at approximately 2.52pm, the Whitby Sprint at around 3.09pm and the finish in Scarborough between 4pm and 4.30pm depending on the speed of the riders.

Stage two, from Selby to York, will have a ceremonial start at 11.20am outside Selby Abbey.

Riders will have an 8km neutralised section before the official race start just outside Selby on the A163 at 11.45am. Depending on riders’ speed, the race will finish between 3.30pm and 4pm on Knavesmire Road in York.

Key points in stage two include the race reaching North Newbald King of the Mountain climb at approximately 12.30pm, the Wetwang Sprint at approximately 1.23pm, Fimber King of the Mountain climb at approximately 1.29pm with the York Sprint and first crossing of the finish line, ahead of two laps of the City at approximately 2.40pm

Stage three, from Wakefield to Leeds, will start at 12.15pm outside Wakefield Cathedral.

Riders will have a 4km neutralised section before the official race start at Agbrigg Road on the A61 at 12.30pm. Depending on riders’ speed the race will finish 4.30pm and 5pm at Roundhay Park in Leeds.

Key points in stage three include the race reaching the Holmfirth King of the Mountain climb at approximately 1.28pm, Scapegoat King of the Mountain climb at approximately 1.51pm Hebden Bridge King of the Mountain climb at approximately 2.48pm, Goose Eye King of the Mountain climb at approximately 3.11pm, the Ilkley Sprint at approximately 3.59pm, the Cow & Calf King of the Mountain climb at approximately 3.42pm, Chevin King of the Mountain climb at approximately 3.59pm, and the final Arthington Sprint before the finish in Leeds at approximately 4.12pm.

There will be over 500km throughout Yorkshire where people can choose to see the race over the three days.

Details of the Tour de Yorkshire route and timings can be viewed at letouryorkshire.com/timings

The race, which will be one of the most exciting cycling events held in Europe in 2015 and will be broadcast in the UK, and on Eurosport, to 70 countries around the world.

Maps of the Tour de Yorkshire race starts and finishes, timings and information for spectators can be found at, letouryorkshire.com/routemaps