South Tyneside, England News

A SINGLE mother whose fascination with make-up began when she was bullied at school is now achieving global success thanks to the launch of her own cosmetics range.

HOMES for the elderly in South Tyneside could face the axe as part of a major review, it was revealed today.

ORGANISED crime gangs across the region are being smashed by a team of specialist police officers.

A RACIST teen who terrorised an Asian shopkeeper because she refused to sell him booze has narrowly avoided jail.

South Tyneside petrol station staff threatened by teen with gun. A GUN-WIELDING teenager has held-up a petrol station in South Tyneside.

TRIBUTES were paid today to a South Tyneside councillor who has died suddenly, just months after undergoing a six-hour double heart bypass operation.

TWO of South Tyneside's newest schools are top of the class when it comes to being green.

The family of an elderly Tyneside pedestrian who died after being hit by a tipper truck have paid tribute to a "perfect gentleman". Fred Smith, 78, was struck by the Volvo as it was about to turn into Reginald Street from North Road in Boldon, near South Shields, on 8 December.

X Factor winner Joe McElderry has told how mentor Cheryl Cole had "Something Kinda Ooh" - as he described her as "the best". The 18-year-old from South Shields - who has made no secret of his "crush" on the Girls Aloud star - heaped praise on her.

JOE McElderry's fans in his North-East hometown went wild after he won the X Factor on Sunday night.

COUNCIL bosses have announced their verdict on South Tyneside's special schools shake-up. The Cabinet approved plans last night which will see the borough's five special schools close, with two new ones opening in their place.

A THUG is facing jail after he was convicted of striking a police officer on the head with a Samurai sword.

X FACTOR fans will be able to cheer on Joe McElderry at a live event during the show's climax this weekend.

The latest batch of MPs' expenses claims have been released online leading to fresh embarrassment for senior politicians.

THE spot where a pensioner lost his life after being hit by a lorry has been labelled an accident black spot by residents.

THE latest batch of MPS expenses has been released. Spending habits for North East MPs show many claims for second homes, furniture and food.

PATIENTS have been admitted to hospital accident and emergency de- partments in the region where there was no senior doctor on the unit.

DOZENS of residents on the revamped Cleadon Park estate in South Shields are opposing a controversial planning application.

A HEADTEACHER has surprisingly quit,weeks after the opening of a new A 20m super-school in South Tyneside.

A MAN suffered a fractured cheekbone when he was pounced on in a South Tyneside street by attackers wielding a hospital crutch.