Tyne Tees Tyne Tunnel

Transport chiefs say a broken down lorry which caused huge delays at the Tyne Tunnel on Thursday morning has now been removed.

The lorry caused severe delays when one lane was blocked by the broken down lorry in the southbound tunnel.

A recovery vehicle then got stuck in traffic.

Motorists were being warned it was taking more than an hour to get through

Motorists are being reminded that a partial closure of the Tyne Tunnels continues until 4pm today (Sunday 31st January).

The northbound tunnel is completely shut. As a result, traffic approaching from both directions is being directed through the southbound tunnel, using a contra-flow system.

The move is to allow a training exercise to take place, with essential maintenance carried out at the same time.

The A19 Tyne Tunnel will be closed both ways between A185 (Jarrow) and A187 (East Howden) for Armistice Day. To accommodate the two minute silence, the tunnel will be closed between 11.00am and 11.05am.

Two bikers who met in hospital when they'd been paralysed in accidents 30 years ago have been reunited and taken to the road again.

David Burdus, 52, from Corbridge and Carl Brunning, 49, from North Ferriby in East Yorkshire drove through the Tyne Tunnel on specially designed trikes. The pair had dreamt of taking a road trip when they were in hospital but lost touch after they were discharged.

Jade Jones, from Middlesbrough, won the female race. The 16-year-old's time was 6.14.9.

Canadian wheelchair sprinter Josh Cassidy has won his fourth Tyne Tunnel 2K race.

The 27-year-old's time is 4.40.2. He won the event in 2008, 2010, and 2011. This is his third victory in a row.