NORTHERN POWERHOUSE

A North-East MP, James Wharton (Stockton South), has been put in charge of the Government's Northern Powerhouse project. That's got to be good news for the region and the Tees Valley hasn't it?

TRUE BREW

Whatever the future holds for Britain and the EU, David Cameron isn't impressed with tea in Europe. He told workers at the Tetley Tea factory in Eaglescliffe it's impossible to get a decent cuppa over there. That's what you call a true brew.

NATIONAL DAY

Today is National Apple Pie Day. Go on, have a slice with your Northern cuppa.

OFCOM COMPLAINTS

EE has fared worst for complaints about landlines and broadband, according to the latest figures from Ofcom. Exasperation Everywhere.

KEVIN PIETERSEN

Whatever the phone provider, Kevin Pietersen isn't likely to get a call from a England anytime soon. The door has been slammed shut on a recall and he's hit out at the ECB's "deceit". Yep, that's the way to build bridges, Kev.

STEVIE WONDER

Stevie Wonder officially becomes a pensioner today, celebrating his 65th birthday. In the words of his own song, Happy Birthday to ya.

PLACE YOUR BETS

Finally, back to the Tories...Thatcherite won at 7-1 at Beverley yesterday and Shesnotforturning goes in the 6pm at Newcastle tonight.