The Journal

Region's Eco Drive Wins the Support of Brown ; but Premier Will Not Hand Over More Cash

THE Prime Minister praised the region last night as the potential home for the energy sources of the future. But he failed to promise the extra funds many believe are needed to exploit them.

Inside Today

A Catwalk to Cancer Cash ; Rugby Stars and Models in Fundraiser

HEY all dressed to impress. TNewcastle Falcons rugby players and Geordie beauty Sophie Gradon, the current Miss Great Britain, took to the catwalks to raise the cash for breast cancer care.

Motorists Saw Dad Jump to His Death

A FATHER who leapt from the Redheugh bridge "just couldn't live any longer", an inquest heard yesterday. Stephen Woodling, of Marian Court, Gateshead, jumped off the bridge into the Tyne on January 23.

Boat Stolen ; North East Today: Police

Missing Man ; North East Today: Police

CONCERN has been raised for a missing man in South Tyneside. Police were called to Souter Lighthouse shortly after 2pm yesterday after a member of public became worried about a man. The coastguard and RAF Boulmer helicopter also attended the scene but it was believed the man had left, possibly towards South Shields.

No Compensation for 'Annoying' Noise ; Noise Levels at Airport Aren't High Enough

LEVELS of noise pollution caused by the region's biggest airport are today revealed for the first time. Hundreds of people living near to Newcastle International are caused "significant annoyance" by aircraft flying in and out of the region on a daily basis.

Scheme's Award ; North East Today: Energy

A COUNTY Durham scheme that encourages investment in renewable energy technology has been recognised with a national award. The Alternative Energy Grant, operated by the former Wear Valley District Council and now Durham County Council, is the only one of its type in the North East region.

Kids Set for Races ; Education: North East Today

HUNDREDS of primary school children take part in a county-wide athletics championship today. The Durham County Primary School Athletics Finals will take place at Shildon Athletics Stadium.

Rock Sell-Off Would Be a Disaster Say Lib Dems

ANY early Government sell-off of Northern Rock would be "disastrous", Liberal Democrat treasury spokesman Vince Cable said yesterday. Mr Cable told the Local Government Association annual conference he did not know whether a report the supermarket giant Tesco could launch a bid for the nationalised Newcastle lender was true.

Harry Potter and ... The Deathly Shallows ; Lucky Escape for Father and Son in Blyth

HE MIGHT be called Harry Potter but he doesn't have a flying car. So when this particular Harry drove his Vauxhall Corsa off a jetty into the River Blyth it was hardly a magic moment - he nearly drowned himself and his teenage son.

Anti-Drugs Agency to Investigate Jackson Death

AMERICA'S anti-drugs agency is investigating the death of pop star Michael Jackson, it emerged last night. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was called in by Los Angeles police to assist as they probe allegations the star was on powerful painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants, sources said.

Fury at Death of Police Dogs in Car

THE police force at the centre of a row after two of its highly- trained dogs died from heatstroke in a car had recently spent pounds 300,000 on new kennels, it emerged last night. The German Shepherds were found dead in a private car left in the main car park at Nottinghamshire Police's headquarters in Arnold on Tuesday.

Flu Cases 'to Reach 100,000 Per Day' ; Minister Says Outbreak Not Containable

SWINE flu cannot be contained and the number of new cases could reach 100,000 per day by the end of next month, the Government said yesterday. The UK has moved past the stage of containing the outbreak and into the "treatment phase", Health Secretary Andy Burnham said.

Flowerpot Ruling ; Britain Today: Council

Housing Hopes ; Britain Today: Property

Post Office Fears ; Britain Today: Industry

Osborne Probed ; Britain Today: Politics

Straw Refuses to Pardon Shields ; Britain Today: Legal

JUSTICE Secretary Jack Straw last night said he understood the "strong emotions" felt by the family of jailed football fan Michael Shields but could not grant a pardon based on the "rule of law". Shields was jailed for 15 years in Bulgaria in 2005 for the attempted murder of a barman following Liverpool's Champions League triumph in Turkey.

Star's Ferrari G-Owen for a Song in Car Mag

A SPORTS car owned by former Newcastle United ace Michael Owen has been put up for sale in a used car magazine. The ex-Magpies and England striker's plush blue Ferrari has appeared among the latest deals in the monthly Auto Trader magazine.