North East Showmen continue to struggle because of the pandemic

In May they were cautiously optimistic that they may be able to open towards the end of the year but, six months on, hope is fading.

Lockdown Lookback: No fun and no fairs

Our correspondent Gregg Easteal has been looking into what the North East can expect from the new tier system, and what people are hoping for.

What can the North East can expect from the new 'tougher' tier system?

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove confirmed the scheme after a meeting on Tuesday between ministers across the UK.

Region's retailers prepare for bumper month after lockdown

Negotiations are paused due to an outbreak of coronavirus among the EU negotiating team, but fishing rights is a major sticking point to U.K. securing a deal.

Whitby trawlermen urge government to stand firm in Brexit fishing negotiations

Gateshead and Teesside have unveiled multi-million pound plans to regenerate parts of their river quaysides.

Multi-million pound investments for two North East Quaysides

Durham Cathedral has been awarded a £1.9 million funding to help with its Covid recovery after the pandemic forced its closure. 

£1.9m National Lottery funding for Durham Cathedral to help with Covid recovery

Mandy Brown from furniture shop Harrison and Brown who has signed up for the scheme with Natalie Dellow of Sunderland BID.

Launched by Sunderland Council and Sunderland BID, businesses of all types, including hospitality, are being invited to sign up for the scheme.

Sunderland launch a new 'city gift card' to boost high street spending

Morpeth’s outdoor food markets will go ahead through November 

Events will begin with the monthly Farmers’ Market on November 7. 

Shoppers in Northumberland Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, on the last Monday before Christmas.

The Council has confirmed they will not tell the public what day the lights will be turned on, as they don't want to risk people gathering.

Newcastle's Christmas lights switch-on kept secret this year due to crowd fears

The funding is from the government's 'Towns Fund'. Darlington was one of 100 councils invited to submit a bid for a share of a national pot of £3.6 billion. 

Darlington given £22m government funding to boost the local economy

New management will take over the Metrocentre in Gateshead after the collapse of former owners Intu.

New management for Gateshead Metrocentre after Intu collapse 

Beamish Museum one of 58 arts venues and organisations to receive up to £1 million each from the Government's Culture Recovery Fund.

£10 million boost for 58 arts and cultural organisations in the North East 

The "lifeline" investment will help save 24 theatres, galleries, performance groups, museums and local venues facing the challenges of the pandemic.

£4million awarded to cultural venues across the region

A view of a Sign on the Marylebone Jobcentre Plus office. The Bank of England today warned that parts of the economy might never recover from coronavirus - with unemployment set to rise by a million within months as GDP plunges 9.5\% - with the slump set to be the worst in a Century. (Photo by Dave Rushen / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)

Unemployment in the region grew by 1.4% from the previous 3 months. It is the biggest rise in the country. 

North East has highest unemployment rate in the country

Venues including York's Theatre Royal and the Darlington Hippodrome were lit up red to highlight what they say is a crisis in the sector. 

Tyne Tees Economy