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A man suffered horrific injuries and was told he might not walk again after he got behind the wheel while over-the-limit and crashed into a tree. Uninsured Anthony Parker had to be cut free from his vehicle and was later found to have fractured his spine, broken his ribs and ruptured his bowel, kidney, bladder and liver. The 32-year-old had to have surgery to fit bolts into his back and spent five weeks in hospital, where he was initially told he may not walk again. However, after months of rehab, Parker was back on his feet and appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court to plead guilty to driving with excess alcohol and without insurance. Prosecutor, Eve McDonnell, said police arrived at the scene of the accident on the A1068 Sheepwash Road, near Sheepwash, Northumberland, at 2am on September 1 last year, having been called by paramedics. Officers saw that Parker had misjudged a bend and ended-up crashing his Peugeot 207 into a tree.

They say that the way to the heart is through the stomach and certainly a cosy meal for two is often top choice with couples out celebrating Valentine's Day. But if that can be taken to apply to drink as well as food then Wetherspoon's pubs could prove an ideal date location on February 14. The pub chain is launching a Gin Festival on Valentine's Day with a huge range of options including overseas brands, unique flavours and liqueurs. What's more, it will run for 17 days until March 1 so that pretty much everyone will have time to sample what's on offer. The festival will take place at 11 J D Wetherspoon pubs around Newcastle and the North East as well as more across the country. On sale will be a range of gins costing from £2.75 to £3.99 for a single measure and including a free mixer. Customers will be able to pick up 'tasting notes' about the gins which, in addition to each pub's usual selection, will include up to 14 types from across the UK and Italy. Among the British varieties will be Aber Falls Gingerbread Gin Liqueur; Didsbury Gin Strawberry and Sicillian Lemon; Slingsby Marmalade Gin; Whitley Neill Blackberry Gin and Hawthorn's London Dry Gin. There also will be a Mor Irish Gin from the Republic of Ireland and, from Italy, a Malfy Gin Rosa.

A drink-driver was caught after he crashed into another vehicle while travelling along Newcastle's Great North Road. John Arkle struck another car causing "some injuries" to the occupant while he was over-the-limit and behind the wheel of his Peugeot 308. The 44-year-old was at the side of the road near the Regent Centre, in Gosforth, inspecting his car when he was first seen by passing police officers shortly before midnight on November 19 last year. Laura Lax, prosecuting at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court, said: "The officers approached the defendant and realised that there was another vehicle in front of his. "Both vehicles were damaged and debris was scattered on the floor. "The officers approached the defendant and asked him what had happened and he said he had been involved in a collision.

Thousands of new houses could be built in Northumberland if plans to reopen a railway line are given the go-ahead. Research from planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore shows that reinstating passenger services on the Ashington, Blyth and Newcastle line would open up new sites for house building. Several large scale sites at Seghill, Seaton Delaval, West Blyth and Bedlington could provide up to 4,000 new homes that would create an estimated 340 jobs per month during the construction phase. A further 750 operational jobs and 505 in the local supply chain could be created if new business parks are also developed. Barton Willmore say the rail connection would make these areas more accessible and encourage housebuilders and developers to put forward plans. James Hall, partner at Barton Willmore, said: "We've looked at how reopening the Newcastle to Ashington line could transform South East Northumberland.

Film star Anthony Quayle featured in memorable war movies from Ice Cold in Alex and the Battle of the River plate to The Eagle Has landed, the Guns of Navarone and Lawrence of Arabia. But his actual wartime exploits saw him serve as a key figure in a “secret army” being readied in Northumberland in case Germany had invaded during the Second World War. The then Captain Quayle was intelligence officer for the Northumberland and Scottish Borders hand-picked patrol units, most of whose members were drawn from the Home Guard. If an invasion had taken place, they would have gone underground and later re-emerged as a resistance army of snipers, trained in unarmed combat, explosives and sabotage. The actor’s involvement is recounted in a new book which focuses on how the war impacted on people in the North East. Neil Storey and partner Fiona Kay, who live in Cramlington in Northumberland, have carried out extensive research in the region’s archives, and have also gathered material from newspapers and first-hand accounts of the time, and family stories. Looking for the latest news in your postcode? We have launched a brand new website InYourArea.co.uk allowing you to stay up to date with what's happening near you. It also has an app. Search the latest news, property listings, jobs, planning applications, public notices and more. To get breaking news sent to your phone, download the ChronicleLive app here.

A brand new service will offer life-long support to people with autism in South Shields. The new 'autism hub', opened by the mayor and mayoress of South Tyneside this month, will offer occupational therapy, mental health help and peer support for people with the condition throughout the area. Councillors say they're responded to a need created by an above-average number of people with an autism diagnosis in the borough, as parents, carers and those with a diagnosis told the council they needed more local support. One of those who can't wait to start using the new hub is little Jak Brunton, and his mum Jay. For Jak, who turns four on Monday, regular sessions at a Toby Henderson Trust centre in Bedlington have been a lifeline, helping him connect with his family and supporting them as they understand his needs. The Jarrow family travel at least once a week to Northumberland for invaluable one-to-one sessions, so the opening of a hub close to home in South Shields will make a huge difference to their lives. Looking for the latest news in your postcode? We have launched a brand new website InYourArea.co.uk allowing you to stay up to date with what's happening near you. It also has an app. Search the latest news, property listings, jobs, planning applications, public notices and more. To get breaking news sent to your phone, download the ChronicleLive app here.

A festive operation aimed at tackling crime and disorder in Sunderland city centre has been hailed a success after crime rates plummeted by 16%. Business leaders on Wearside joined Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness in praising the impact of Operation Kraken after the initiative led to a significant drop in recorded crime. Spearheaded by Sergeant Maria Ord and the city centre neighbourhood team, the annual festive crackdown was again run in partnership with the Bridges and Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID), along with Sunderland City Council. From November 25 through until Christmas Eve, the initiative saw uniformed and plain-clothed officers target all city centre criminality, specifically adult anti-social behaviour and retail-related offences. Now, after the 2019 Kraken operation showed a 16% decrease in city centre crime compared to the previous year, Sgt Ord hopes to build on those successes in the coming months. "We are delighted with how Operation Kraken went," Sgt Ord said. "The initiative was about maintaining a hassle-free and safe environment which allowed families to enjoy everything this city has to offer during the lead-up to Christmas. Looking for the latest news in your postcode? We have launched a brand new website InYourArea.co.uk allowing you to stay up to date with what's happening near you. It also has an app. Search the latest news, property listings, jobs, planning applications, public notices and more. To get breaking news sent to your phone, download the ChronicleLive app here.

A man has been charged in connection with a collision which killed a pedestrian in Northumberland. Shortly before 6am on Monday, police received a report of a collision involving two cars and a pedestrian on Foremans Row near the Keel Row Pub in Seaton Delaval. It was reported that a white Vauxhall Insignia had struck a male pedestrian who was on the carriageway before a red Mazda 2, travelling in the opposite direction also struck the man. Emergency services attended but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say a formal identification is ongoing. Immediately after the collision another male pedestrian, believed to have been walking with the victim prior to the incident, then got into the Vauxhall Insignia as the owner was helping the victim and drove away from the scene. Looking for the latest news in your postcode? We have launched a brand new website InYourArea.co.uk allowing you to stay up to date with what's happening near you. It also has an app. Search the latest news, property listings, jobs, planning applications, public notices and more. To get breaking news sent to your phone, download the ChronicleLive app here.

A woman narrowly avoided prison after repeatedly slamming a door on the hand of her boyfriend's mum and impaling it on a nail. Boozed-up Lauren Coonie flew into a rage when the victim came to her flat asking to see her son, who the 25-year-old had locked inside the property and was refusing to let out. Suddenly, and without warning, Coonie then launched a violent attack on the woman, slamming the door on her hand and impaling it on a screw in the door frame, a court heard. But, despite the victims desperate calls for help as she couldn't move her hand from the nail, Coonie didn't stop and continued to slam the door a further four times, prosecutors said. And, when the horrified woman eventually managed to pull free and walk away from the flat, drunk Coonie followed her and punched her in the head, causing her to bite the inside of her mouth. Now, the former alcoholic has been told she came "within a hair's breadth" of going to jail after she pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm during a hearing at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court.

North East darts star Chris Dobey will make his return to the Utilita Arena stage in March after being included as the local Challenger for the Unibet Premier League's return to Newcastle. Nine top stars - led by new World Champion Peter Wright and world number one Michael van Gerwen - will be competing full-time in the Premier League, the PDC's roadshow event which begins in February. However, the opening nine nights feature a Challenger who will get the chance to take on the sport's top stars, giving them a taste of Premier League life. Bedlington's Dobey shone on a memorable night in 2019 when he stepped in to compete in Newcastle after the withdrawal of Gary Anderson with a back injury, drawing with Mensur Suljovic. He has since progressed into the world's top 20 players, reaching his first televised semi-finals at the World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals during 2019 as well as the last 16 at the recent World Championship. Dobey has been chosen by the PDC as the Challenger to compete in Newcastle on Thursday March 19, giving him further big-stage experience as the tournament visits his local area.

Local authorities in the North East have dished out hundreds of thousands of pounds in fines for overrunning roadworks. Freedom of Information Act requests submitted by the Chronicle revealed the penalties issued by councils for the late running works that cause gridlock on the region’s roads. The data showed that in the last financial year Newcastle City Council imposed 38 fines totalling £232,000. In 2017/18 the city dished out 47 fines, but the overall total was much lower at £45,400. Last financial year Northumbrian Water payed the largest individual fine to the city - £174,000. Works on Denton Road that went over by more than a month caused the water company to pick up the mammoth bill. Looking for the latest news in your postcode? We have launched a brand new website InYourArea.co.uk allowing you to stay up to date with what's happening near you. Search the latest news, property listings, jobs, planning applications, public notices and more. You can also post your community event for free and join the conversation where you live.

The most bizarre rescues made from furniture by North East firefighters have been revealed - including a man who got his testicles trapped in a commode. On top of tackling fires and keeping the public safe, firefighters do get a number of red-faced callers who get into some embarrassing predicaments. Firefighters have been called out to people of all ages from babies to pensioners. There have been many people becoming trapped on commodes, beds and sofas while children were most commonly stuck in cots or baby bath seats. The testicles incident in Blyth is just one of 55 peculiar incidents unearthed as a result of a freedom of information request to North East fire and rescue services over the past four years. Others in Northumberland include a nine-month old child stuck in a bath seat, a 96-year-old getting trapped in a stairway bannister and stool and a child getting their thumb stuck to a metal bed frame. A spokeswoman for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service advised members of the public to "be careful".

Missing Martin Cooper is back with his family after disappearing for more than 24 hours. The Chronicle told on Tuesday how police and relatives were searching for the retired English teacher who vanished from his Whitley Bay home on Monday morning. But his family has now confirmed he was found in Scotland on Tuesday evening. Dad-of-three Martin travelled back to Tyneside on Wednesday and is now back home with his wife, Mary. Martin's son Joe has told of his relief. The 38-year-old said: "He's been found safely near Fort William. We were extremely worried."

A heroic police dog bravely tackled a suspected car thief in Bedlington - and officers rewarded her with a late night burger. Six-year-old Belgian herder Ziva was given the treat after she caught the suspect at about 10.30pm on Wednesday. Officers from Northumbria Police had found a vehicle they believed to have been stolen in a burglary earlier in the evening. They signalled for the vehicle to stop but the driver, believed to be under the influence, ignored the blue lights and continued to drive away before he jumped out and ran. As officers chased him over open fields, PC Helen Kane unleashed Ziva from the opposite direction and she was able to track down the suspect and tackle him before officers caught up and arrested the suspect. At the end of the shift, PC Kane made sure to reward Ziva for her heroics by treating her to the hamburger - with cheese, extra tomato sauce and no gherkins.

The 27th edition of the PDC World Championships rolls into town next Thursday, as darts fans are treated to 16 days of pure tungsten theatre. World number one Michael van Gerwen won his third world title last year as he beat Michael Smith 7-3 in a thrilling final at Alexandra Palace. MVG will look to successfully defend the world title for this first time this year but he will have to be at his best to see off the threats of the chasing pack. Welshman Gerwyn Price could well be van Gerwen's biggest threat in London. The Welsh ace successfully defended his Grand Slam of Darts title in November, beating van Gerwen en route to the title. He also pushed van Gerwen all the way in the recent Players Championships final and he has been well backed to win his first world title. 2018 world champion Rob Cross arrives as the number two seed and has enjoyed a very successful year on the tour, winning the World Matchplay and European Championships as well as reaching the final of the UK Open and the Premier League. Last year's World Championship semi-finalist Nathan Aspinall was the only other major winner this year, while Peter Wright, Michael Smith, Dave Chisnall and James Wade will fancy their chances after reaching major finals in 2019.

A registered sex offender who dressed as Santa Claus in Newcastle city centre has been jailed after being caught taking pictures with children for cash. Stephen Brown, 40, was parading near Fenwick's festive window on a busy Northumberland Street offering to pose with pictures of children while dressed as Father Christmas. But the department store's security staff contacted police who were concerned about the stranger's activity on Saturday. Officers arrived and discovered that Brown had been jailed for five years in 2012 for possession of indecent images and inciting a child to engage in a sex act. He was immediately arrested by police in front of a packed Northumberland Street and was later charged with breaching the sexual offences prevention order. The court heard how it was the second time Brown had breached the order since being released from prison in January 2017.

Bedlington darts ace Chris Dobey reached his first ever European Tour final on Sunday to all but secure his place in next month's World Matchplay. Dobey was beaten 8-3 by Dave Chisnall in the final of the Danish Darts Open at Copenhagen's Brondby Hallen but enjoyed a superb run over the three-day competition. The 29-year-old saw off Steve West, Ricky Evans, former World Championship finalist Kirk Shepherd, and Jose de Sousa before beating two-time major champion Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals to reach his first big-stage final. 'Hollywood' ran out of steam in the final, though, and despite taking a 2-0 lead, he won just one of the next nine legs as Chisnall secured his first European Tour title since 2013. Dobey's run over the weekend now means he is all but assured of a World Matchplay debut next month, following on from his debut in the Premier League earlier this year. The World Matchplay is widely considered the second most prestigious major in the darts calendar after the World Championships and after narrowly missing out on qualification for each of the last two years Dobey is delighted he has secured a long overdue debut in the competion.

Labour has called for a 'full and meaningful' consultation on the overhaul of Bedlington town centre in the wake of news that the project is getting back on track. The opposition on Northumberland County Council has said this is required to "to ensure that any Bedlington development fits with the needs and ambitions of local residents and supports local businesses who have been loyal to the town". It follows the announcement last week that building work on the retail scheme, which is being led by the council-owned company Advance Northumberland, will now start "early next year and will take approximately 12 months". In January, it was announced that the redevelopment had stalled awaiting final sign-off from the anchor tenant - a major supermarket. But Advance Northumberland's board recently approved a revised financial model and timetable, which relies on an extra cash injection of £1.4m from the county council. In a statement this week, Coun Lynne Grimshaw, the shadow cabinet member for regeneration, said: " The Labour Group welcomes - despite the long delay - the council looking to get this severely scaled back project off the ground. Stay informed by receiving your choice of the latest breaking North East news, NUFC/SAFC news and business news direct to your email by subscribing to our newsletters - here's how. Facebook: Here's our main Chronicle page. For our Newcastle United Facebook page click here and our Sunderland page is here. We also have a group for breaking news, one for travel news and one exclusively for court news. If you want TV news, visit our dedicated page here. Twitter: You can follow the Chronicle here, our NUFC page here, our SAFC page is here and The Journal here. Insta: Here's our Instagram page for all you photo lovers. Over on Linkedin you can follow us here.

It's almost time for a new host of girls to hit the catwalk as the final of Miss Newcastle 2019 takes place in the city this weekend. The annual event is always a massive spectacle for the whole of the North East and now 13 contestants are aiming to steal the crown and follow in the footsteps of reigning Miss Newcastle Rebecca Gormley, who triumphed in an Arabian Nights themed finale last year. Over 300 hopefuls applied this year and Gainford Group are one again hosting the glamorous grand finale at The County Hotel and before they've even taken to the runway for the first time, the 2019 finalists have already raised in excess of £20,000 for chosen charity The Chronicle Sunshine Fund, thanks to events ranging from dog walks to fashion shows and bag packs to pamper days. A celebration of Style, Beauty & Talent... this year's final, hosted by Hannah Gray, draws inspiration from Aphrodite the Greek Goddess of Beauty & Love and will feature a performance from Ami Vaziri as Ariana Live. The winner will receive a place in the Miss England final as well as a contract with Tyne Tyne Models' And in an exciting week for the city, it was also revealed that the Miss England finals will be held in Newcastle for the first time.

A £377m wish list of ideas to spark a radical transformation of the North East's transport network has been revealed. More frequent Metro trains, a restored rail service between Newcastle and Northumberland, station redevelopments, and new cycling infrastructure are all part of an ambitious campaign to secure a massive pot of Government cash. The region's leaders are set to give their backing to a bid to the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) next week, which they say would be a massive boost to the local economy and reduce reliance on cars. The North East - covering Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham - is one of 12 city regions shortlisted to submit bids for a share of £1.28bn of central funding. And a draft version of a bid that will be put before council leaders next week, before being sent to the Department for Transport, reveals that the North East intends to ask for a maximum of £377.3m in funding. That includes £108m to fund the twin tracking of the Metro between Pelaw and Tyne Dock - an upgrade that would allow for the daytime frequency of trains across the network to be increased from five to six per hour.

It might be summer but there was a distinct - and rather otherworldly - chill at a special event held this week to offer a glimpse of what to expect at an upcoming showcase party. Some ghoulish early guests were setting the tone at The Boulevard cabaret club in Newcastle where Sage founder and philanthropist Graham Wylie offered a sneak peek of what to expect from a no-expense-spared Halloween Spectacular, complete with showbiz stars, that he is planning for October. And the glimpse will no doubt scare up some decent ticket sales for the party which is out to raise money for charity. The party, while held in association with Boulevard, will be staged in the Kingston Park grounds of Newcastle Falcons rugby club on the night before Halloween , October 30, and it's being described as "the scariest and most lavish party the North East has ever seen". There are 500 tickets on sale and the party will feature performers in terrifying costumes out to scare uests who in turn are being encouraged to take costume inspiration from the Halloween parties thrown each year in America by the likes of supermodel Heidi Klum and Britain’s Jonathan Ross. Mr Wylie said: “Halloween celebrations seem to get more elaborate and outlandish every year and I intend this Halloween Spectacular to be the most glittering, the most scary and the most lavish of them all.

The major redevelopment of Bedlington town centre is back on track – assuming Northumberland County Council signs off on £1.4million to support the scheme next week.

The Advance Northumberland Board approved the revised financial model and timetable for the Bedlington town centre development when it met last Friday.