Tyne Tees News

Katie Cutler, who set up a fundraising page for Alan Barnes, the Gateshead pensioner who was attacked outside his home, says she's overwhelmed to have raised more than £140,000 in donations:

Katie Cutler set up a fundraising page after hearing about pensioner Alan Barnes being attacked. So far it's raised more than £140,000.

Katie Cutler wanted to raise money for disabled pensioner Alan Barnes after he was attacked outside his own home in Gateshead. To date, more than £130,000 has been raised.

An event is taking place on Tyneside today (Saturday 31 January) to encourage people to take up teaching.

The Train to Teach roadshow has been organised by the Department for Education (DfE), who are targeting those who are considering a change in career.

According to the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL), teaching is often a popular choice among career changers. 40% of people in the North East who registered an interest in teaching last year were career changers.

The roadshow aims to give those considering a career in teaching the chance to discover more about the profession and the different training routes available.

Police in Northumberland are appealing for witnesses to an armed robbery in Blyth.

It happened at Chishom Bookmakers in Elliot Street just before 11pm last night (Friday 30 January).

A man threatened a member of staff with a knife. He made off with a quantity of cash.

The total money raised for Alan Barnes has reached more than £100 thousand.

The fund raising web page was set up after the disabled pensioner was attacked outside his Gateshead home.

More than eight thousand donations have been made via the appeal which was started by local beautician Katie Cutler.

The 21-year-old does not know Mr Barnes but was so moved by the his story that she decided to try to raise £500 to help him.

That target was met within hours and the money continues to pour in.

Four people have been arrested after a disturbance in Washington.

It happened at 1.40am this morning (Saturday, 31 January) in Hazelwood Gardens in Harraton.

Two men, aged 33 and 24, were assaulted in an address in the street. One of the men suffered a broken arm and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Cars were also damaged in the street.

Two men aged 21 and 23 have been arrested on suspicion of serious assault and are in police custody.

Two other men aged 33 and 24 have been arrested on criminal damage and are in police custody.

Police say that it appears the disturbance was a dispute between people who know each other.