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Visitor centre to re-open at Roman Fort
A visitor centre at Housesteads Roman Fort along Hadrian's Wall re-opens on Saturday after undergoing a £650,000 revamp.
The site attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year and the National Trust Visitor Centre is the welcome and admission point.
Police to hold meetings ahead of EDL march
Northumbria Police are holding final meetings today ahead of Saturday's planned English Defence League (EDL) march in Newcastle.
EDL members clashed with police in London on Wednesday after a soldier was killed by two extremists in Woolwich.
He has since been named as Drummer Lee Rigby from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of his murder.
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DfH statement on Friarage Hospital decision
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP has decided against ordering an independent investigation into proposals to reduce children's and maternity services at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital.
A Department for Health spokesperson confirmed Mr Hunt's decision in a statement, which said:
– Spokesperson, Department for Health"The Health Secretary agrees with the advice of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel that there should now be local consultation on the planned changes to children’s and maternity services at the Friarage Hospital.
"This will give local people and stakeholders the opportunity to look at all viable options and give their view in a fair, open and rigorous process that seeks the best possible solution.”
Health Secretary says 'no' to Friarage investigation
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP has announced that he will not order an independent investigation into proposals to reduce children's and maternity services at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital.
Consultation on the future of services will now go ahead at a local level. However, campaigners fighting to save the unit say Mr Hunt's decision is "devastating" and that the consultation only offers options which would scale back the hospital's services and not maintain them.
Campaigners added that they had hoped Mr Hunt would intervene, and describe his decision not to as a bitter blow.
Newcastle offer backing to Pardew
Newcastle United have released a statement ending speculation over Alan Pardew's future as manager
Read the full storyWeather: Tonight
Generally cloudy with outbreaks of rain at first, then turning more showery later, with some sleet possible at first on hills.
Strong northerly winds, with gales near coasts, veering northeasterly later.
Minimum temperature 4 °C.
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Increased security for soldiers in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Police have increased security for military personel after a soldier was brutally killed in London.
Drummer Lee Rigby from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was killed during an attack in Woolwich on Wednesday. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of his murder.
Extra police patrols have been established in Woolwich since the attack. North Yorkshire Police say they are also increasing security measures.
Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal said:
"The incident that occurred in London is truly shocking and our sympathy and thoughts are with the victim's family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time."
"The policing response to this incident is being co-ordinated nationally and North Yorkshire Police will play its part, if required.
"North Yorkshire Police officers and PCSOs are undertaking high visibility patrols to provide extra reassurance to military personnel, their families and the wider local community.
– Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal, North Yorkshire Police"There is no indication of a specific threat in our area, but people can be assured that North Yorkshire Police will remain vigilant.
"I urge residents to keep calm and not to engage in any speculation."
Officers are advising people report any suspicious behaviour to North Yorkshire Police on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency.
Film made to help cancer patients
Kate Farnell, from Tyneside, has produced a film to try to help people who have been diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer.
The charity, called the Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust, was set up after Kate was diagnosed with the disease in 2000.
Watch the full interview with Kate:
Work underway to transform Auckland Castle
by Claire Montgomery
Owners hoping County Durham site will become world-class visitor attraction
Read the full storyDinosaurs arrive in Newcastle
by Rachel SweeneyWe see dinosaurs in books and films, but have you ever wondered how you would react if you could actually see one? A group of schoolchildren came pretty close to finding out!
Pupils from Wingrove Primary in Fenham and St Oswald's in South Shields braved a new exhibition at the Centre for Life in Newcastle to come face to face with moving dinosaurs.
