Our Political Correspondent Tom Sheldrick looks at the arguments around whether it's right for the region to be going into the toughest level of restrictions.

From Wednesday 2 December, the local tiers system will come into effect. This article will be updated with information for all areas in the Tyne Tees region.

Exclusive: Eight residents die at West Farm Care Centre in 10 days, as owner declares 'zero confidence' in government's rapid tests.