FROM BBC NEWS >>
UK soldier killed in blast named
A soldier killed in Afghanistan, the 99th UK casualty of 2009, is identified as Acting Sgt John Amer from Sunderland.

FROM BBC SPORT >>
Bent says Mum 'racially abused'
Darren Bent's mother was racially abused by a Sunderland fan during their match at Wigan, the England striker has told his Twitter feed.

Leadgate vandalised tree replaced
Christmas has come early for Leadgate as an old vandalised tree has been replaced with a new tree.

Rare ducklings hatch
A brood of rare ducklings have hatched in Washington

FROM BBC NEWS >>
Little Donkey writer dies aged 88
The composer of the popular Christmas song Little Donkey, Eric Boswell, dies 50 years after his song became a worldwide hit.

FROM BBC NEWS >>
Cathedral city could show Gospels
There are hopes the city of Durham could play host to a three-month visit by the Lindisfarne Gospels.

FROM BBC NEWS >>
Jobs to go in bus depot closures
Transport firm Arriva North East plans to close three bus depots across north east England with the loss of 21 jobs.

Chaplain at work
An Anglican Chaplain explains his vital role in university

FROM BBC SPORT >>
Sunderland win to take top spot
Sarah Danby and Demi Stokes score the goals as Sunderland beat Chelsea to go top of the Women's Premier League.

FROM BBC SPORT >>
Wigan 1-0 Sunderland
Hugo Rodallega scores the only goal as Wigan overcome Sunderland in a dour encounter.

FROM BBC SPORT >>
Stewart hails Collingwood spirit
Former England captain Alec Stewart says England's batsman must follow the example set by Durham's Paul Collingwood.

Be involved with the Big Question
We're looking for quirky facts about where you live as part of BBC Look North's Big Question. Find out how you can tell us yours.

Alfie's day at Sunderland Museum
BBC Newcastle's Alfie Joey made his first visit to Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and found a great deal to interest him, especially when it came to the humorous side of life.

Never too old for digital world
A photographer from Durham jumps into the world of digital technology at the age of 70. Ten years later, she's winning awards.

'Michael Jackson' scan Thriller
A picture of an ultrasound scan of an unborn baby girl in Sunderland is said to resemble the great Michael Jackson.

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Ten top tips
Here are some top tips for getting ahead in the music business