Downpours cause travel disruption

Torrential rain and storms have caused disruption for travellers in Tyneside and County Durham.

Tyne and Wear Metro services between Kingston Park and Regent Centre were suspended due to flash flooding.

The A167 Stamfordham Road was closed both ways, also because of flooding and a burst water main.

A lightning strike on the East Coast Mainline caused delays between Durham and Darlington, but services are now back to normal, said National Express.

Joseph Swann School in Gateshead was closed due to flooding on Monday afternoon.

And Belmont School and Community Arts College in Durham will be closed on Tuesday because of flood water.