UKIP VISIT: UKIP deputy chair Neil Hamilton, the former Conservative MP involved in the cash-for-questions scandal, will visit Middlesbrough on Thursday (MAY 8).

He will join Jonathan Arnott, the party’s lead candidate in the North-East, in speaking about immigration, energy and a European referendum, ahead of the European elections on May 22.

Mr Arnott said he wanted to “dispel the myths” around UKIP following bad publicity.

The meeting takes place at Ormesby Club and Institute, in Ormesby Village, Middlesbrough at 7.30pm.The following day Mr Hamilton will be at Seaham Market, in Seaham, near Sunderland, between 10am and 1pm before visiting a public meeting in Blyth. Christine Hamilton is not believed to be joining her husband on the trip.

BRIDGE CLOSED: The main route out of Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton-on-Tees, was closed for a short period this morning (TUESDAY) leading to gridlock in the town.

The Queen Elizabeth Way was closed in both directions for a short time at about 8am due to concerns for the welfare of a woman close to the bridge on the road. The woman was located safe and well and was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton.