BODY RECOVERED: The body of an elderly man has been recovered from the sea by lifeboat crews this afternoon (TUES). Police received a call at 1.30pm reporting a body in the sea below Tynemouth Pier and volunteer crew members from the Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat recovered a casualty. Lifeboat spokesman Adrian Don said: "Our thoughts go out to the deceased man's family at what will be a difficult and distressing time for them".

CASTLE CASH: The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded more than £153,000 to a project to redevelop Hylton Castle, in Sunderland, as a learning and educational resources centre. The development funding will allow Sunderland City Council to work-up a full £2.9m second stage bid for the 14th Century monument.

CONCERT DATE: Popular violinist Andre Rieu has announced an extra North-east date during his forthcoming Christmas tour. The musician will play at the Metro Radio Arena on Tuesday, December 10. Tickets, priced £40, will go on sale on Friday via www.metroradioarena.co.uk or 0844-493-6666.