Sunderland Echo
Five of the best for city’s parks in Green Flag Awards
Five Sunderland parks have been recognised as among the best in the UK after earning prestigious Green Flag Awards for 2026-27. Barnes Park, Herrington Country Park, Hetton Lyons Country Park, Mowbray Park and Roker Park all received the honour, which...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ROAR ON THE LIONS
England fans are set for a huge night in Sunderland as a fan zone is being created for supporters to gather and watch the game on a big screen. With England aiming to reach their first World Cup final in 60 years, supporters of all ages are invited to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘IT COULD HAVE BEEN A CHILD’
A dog owner has said an unmuzzled, off-leash XL Bullytype dog could attack again after her pet was injured in a city park. Manuela Brown was walking her dogs in Backhouse Park at 7.30am when the attack happened. She said: “Three men came into the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
From miner to a major star
Peter Lawson has led an incredible life – from a mechanical fitter in the mines to playing music with Elton John and Dave Stewart. His life is filled with astonishing highlights and challenges, including a battle with cancer. The father of three and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
EDDIE’S EFFORT BEATS RECORD
Rain, hail and brutal winds couldn’t stop 83-year-old cycling legend Eddie McGourley, from Houghton-le-Spring, conquering the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats route in just 11 days – beating the octogenarian record by three full days. He rode every...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CARE WORKER BROKE TRUST
Kimberley Barker, 30, a senior support worker at Serlby Close care home in Washington, stole more than £5,100 from six vulnerable male residents by withdrawing money using their bank cards and PINs. She admitted six counts of theft and told the court...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ROYAL TRAIN VANDALISED
A newly unveiled Royal Metro carriage at the North East Land Sea and Air Museum has been vandalised less than two days after going on display. Train 4020, which carried Queen Elizabeth II during the Metro’s 1981 opening and was later used by King...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FLY THE FLAG
Sunderland’ CIty Council leader, Chris Eynon, says the authority is looking into holding a St George’s Day festival for April 23 next year. He argues England’s national day has “never been properly celebrated” and believes Sunderland is “missing a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘I CAN’T THANK PEOPLE ENOUGH’
Sunderland-born Craig Dunn was first diagnosed with medulloblastoma – a rare and aggressive brain tumour – in May 2025 after experiencing severe headaches. After undergoing emergency surgery to remove the mass and rounds of chemotherapy and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HOMELESS HUB NEEDS A NEW HOME
Basis Sunderland, a drop-in service supporting almost all of the city’s rough sleepers, has been forced to leave its base at Park Road Church after a funding shortfall left it unable to keep the lease. The charity, part of Oasis Community Housing,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HOMES BID FOR INFIRMARY SITE
new £50million Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital. Lambert Smith Hampton has asked Sunderland City Council for a screening opinion on proposals for around 62 homes on the existing site, arguing an environmental impact assessment is unnecessary....
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Beth’s own experience helping others suffering from hair loss
A Sunderland woman living with alopecia after battling against cancer has set up her own wig business to help people suffering from hair loss. Beth Easterbrook Smith, 29, launched Pigment Hair earlier this month, using her own personal experience of...
Read Full Story (Page 4)
JACKPOT HIT
Dave Alexander is celebrating after winning £750,000 in Hits Radio’s Make Me A Winner competition. He initially thought the call was a prank, having entered every week for years. He was having a second-hand sofa delivered by his brother when he...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LIVING IN FEAR
Two sisters were forced to miss their mother’s funeral following a series of threats from their sibling. Newcastle Crown Court heard Nicola Ratcliffe pinned one sister against a fence, made repeated threats to kill them, and sent alarming calls and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
AIMING HIGH
Venerable Bede’s new headteacher, Jordan Bedford, has set out ambitious plans to make the school one of the best in the country for Progress 8 and to meet expected Ofsted standards within two years. The academy, previously judged inadequate in several...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PADEL POWER
A planning application has been submitted for a new padel centre at Rainton Bridge Business Park on the outskirts of Sunderland. Malik Group Holdings hopes to build six courts - four covered by dome structures and two open-air - alongside changing...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Fire crews faced extreme conditions as they tackled blaze in city centre
Dramatic photos captured a blaze which raged for hours in Sunderland on Wednesday. Large plumes of smoke could be seen over Sunniside while firefighters tackled the blaze, with surrounding roads also blocked off. Crews from Tyne and Wear Fire &...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
From the Most Affordable to the Best Available!
Use your PIP or DLA allowance to get a brand new scooter or power chair from only £19.97pw Finance available for up to 3 years Scooters & Power chairs in stock for immediate delivery Large selection of Rise & Recliner chairs and beds in stock from...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
‘GET CHECKED’
Sunderland AFC legend Gary Bennett MBE is urging men to talk openly about prostate cancer and to get checked if they have any concerns. Speaking ahead of the Fans Museum’s annual awareness walk, Bennett — who made more than 350 appearances for the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Richard puts aside health problems to pay tribute to grandad lost in war
A proud Sunderland man has told how emotions ran high as he paid a poignant tribute to his hero grandad. Richard Wilson travelled to France to pay homage to his grandfather, James Wilson, who was lost aboard HMT Lancastria on June 17, 1940. He laid a...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
‘FATALITY WAITING TO HAPPEN’
A community is pleading for new safety measures to be put in place to ease the “nightmare” of pulling out on to a busy road. Over the years, residents have faced numerous close calls as they leave the estate and have contacted local authorities...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘BRING BACK FREE PARKING’
Council bosses are being urged to restore free parking in all city centre car parks after 3pm in a bid to help traders. Sunderland’s Liberal Democrats group has tabled a motion for the first ordinary full council meeting of 2026-27 to look at a raft...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Parents can swap kids’ tablets for the big screen
Of course, it’s to be for children. But you can be pretty sure that there will be plenty of adults – some accompanied by their offspring, others kidfree – when hits cinema screens this weekend. The toys are back in town, but in a week when the...
Read Full Story (Page 4)
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Staff at a Sunderland care home have been recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty after having to deal with the aftermath of the devastation caused when a car ploughed into their building. A gaping hole was left in the side of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘A NEW LOW’
Sunderland MPs have labelled Reform UK’s decision to reinstate Glenn Gibbins to the party, allowing him to take up a place on Sunderland City Council, as “disgusting” and “a new low”. Glenn Gibbins was elected to serve Sunderland City Council’s Hylton...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SENDING THE RIGHT SIGNAL
Education leaders across the city backed the Prime Minister’s announcement that are to Under-16s be banned from social media. One leading educationalist said they negative see its impact on a “daily basis”, and another labelling it as being...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
EVEREST EFFORT IN FUNDRAISER
Karen Joynson, from Washington, completed a gruelling 12-day trek to Everest base camp to raise money for two causes close to her heart. Following her dad’s sudden death, Karen was supported by the Chester-le-Street charity If U Care Share, which...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘IT’S FABULOUS’
Lynn Hope has received recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours for offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for children living with disabilities in the Washington area. The 70-year-old gymnastics coach founded Northern Hope Gymnastics Club...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CARE HOME CASH CROOK
Kimberley Barker, 30, admitted stealing more than £5,100 from six residents at Serlby Close care home by pilfering funds from their accounts. The victims, adults with lifelong learning disabilities who could not manage finances, lost sums between...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
NEVER FORGET
Take That’s performance at the Stadium of Light has delivered a major economic lift for Sunderland. The event attracted thousands of visitors - to the benefit of local hospitality and helping to strengthen the city’s growing reputation as a premier...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GREATEST DAY
Tens of thousands of Take That music fans are preparing for perhaps the Greatest Day of their lives as the band return to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. Tonight’s concert marks the third visit to the ground by the group following triumphant shows in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HOUSING KEY TO SURVIVAL
Ashbrooke Sports Club has issued a last-ditch plea for Sunderland councillors to approve a 49-home development, warning the scheme is essential to clear £500,000 of debt and secure its long-term future. The plans, submitted by Homes By Esh, stalled...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Bus driver parks up one last time after 30 years
A Washington bus driver is hanging up his ignition keys and retiring after 30 years of transporting the city’s residents. Stagecoach driver Kevin Moses, 66, joined the company in 1996, starting out as a bus driver before becoming an inspector. For...
Read Full Story (Page 4)
STAND DOWN
A 70-year-old Sunderland AFC supporter has praised the club for “listening to fans” after it revised plans to expand safe standing at the Stadium of Light. The club had intended to install rail seating across several blocks in the Roker End and South...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A POLITICAL WAR OF WORDS HAS ERUPTED
Reform Sunderland council leader Chris Eynon has launched a fierce attack on Houghton and Sunderland South MP and education secretary Bridget Phillipson, just weeks after taking office. The clash follows Labour’s heavy losses in the May 7 local...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
POPPY HERO STEPS DOWN
Fundraiser Vince Harris was given just a three per cent chance of survival after being diagnosed with cancer in 2008 – yet he has spent the last 18 years transforming the city’s annual Poppy Appeal from two collection stalls. Now preparing to step...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘Esto es git mint’ – book to help fans speak the lingo with SAFC in Europe
A tongue-in-cheek language guide is on the way for Mackems who plan to follow Sunderland in Europe. Two Sunderland AFC Facebook fan pages have joined forces to produce a new European language magazine which will be launched in time for the club’s...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
RAISING CONCERNS
Sunderland City Hall will no longer fly the Pride flag following a policy change. The city council’s ruling Reform UK group has confirmed only national and civic flags will be displayed outside the building from now on, ending the practice of flying...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PERFECT VISION
The city’s new eye hospital is complete and has officially been handed over to the NHS. The Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital, rising at Riverside for just over two years, is due to start welcoming patients later this summer. Delivered by Kier in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GREEN LIGHT FOR £20M REVAMP PLAN
A £20m regeneration programme for Washington has been approved by the government, clearing the way for a decade of community-led investment shaped by local residents. The long-term plan is part of the government’s Pride in Place Programme, and will...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
EURO MI££IONS
Sunderland AFC’s Europa League qualification has been hailed as a gamechanger for the city, with businesses forecasting a major economic and tourism boost. The club’s sensational return to European football for the first time in more than 50 years has...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘WE WANT ANSWERS’
Wayne Clark died a month after bariatric surgery at Sunderland Royal Hospital, following complications which led to him being admitted to its Integrated Critical Care Unit (ICCU). Described as a “gentle giant”, Wayne underwent numerous rounds of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PARENTS’ £25K TARGET TO SAVE DENVAH’S EYE
Ever-smiling Denvah Finlay is only of only 40 children to be diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of eye cancer. The 18-month-old is blind in her right eye, and there are fears she may have to have the eyeball...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BINGO BONANZA
A £5million bingo and entertainment venue is set to bring around 50 new jobs to Sunderland after Club 3000 Bingo announced plans for a major development at The Bridges shopping centre. Expected to open early next year, the venue will be the company’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WEMBLEY STAND HONOURS CALLUM
A stand at Wembley Stadium has been temporarily named after 22-year-old Sunderland fan Callum Lawson, who survived a cardiac arrest during last year’s Championship PlayOff Final. Callum collapsed shortly after Sunderland’s opening goal, and his life...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MURDER CASE STILL UNSOLVED
Julie Perigo was discovered dead at her home in Kidderminster Road, Downhill, on May 23, 1986, after officers forced entry to the flat following concerns for her welfare. Reports at the time described a bloodbath scene inside the property, with Julie...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SPEED TRAP
A former teacher is calling for clearer speed limit signs on Chester Road after being caught driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone on the A183 near Hastings Hill, where almost 20,000 motorists were recorded speeding in 21 months. Kenneth Hewitt says he saw...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ADVERTISIN* FEATURE
It has been an exceptionally busy month here at Mobility Care Solutions Murphy and all of the team here are looking forward to the Bank Holiday Weekend and hope you have a fun-filled weekend too! The sun is shining and with so much going on in and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘Great people, top food... what’s not to like?’
Presenter Greg James has been singing the praises of Sunderland as the city gets ready for the Radio 1 Big Weekend festival. Preparation is at an advanced stage at Herrington Country Park for one of its biggest events of the year getting under way on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BUS DRIVERS’ JOBS DISPUTE
Nine Sunderland bus drivers say they have been left without pay, work or clarity after being told their contracts would transfer from City Transport Group to Go North East under TUPE rules. When they reported for duty, Go North East said no transfer...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘I WILL HATE YOU UNTIL MY LAST BREATH’
A yob high on cannabis who mowed down and killed an 86-year-old grandmother while illegally riding an electric motorbike as he used his mobile phone has been locked up. Hooded and masked Billy Stokoe, 19, from Sunderland, rode into much-loved Gloria...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SISTERS STILL SEEK CLOSURE
Investigators searching for the remains of Sunderland-raised Captain Robert Nairac say fresh lines of inquiry are offering renewed hope, nearly 49 years after his murder during the Troubles. Cpt Nairac, an undercover Grenadier Guard, was abducted from...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘I hope she haunts you for the rest of your days’
A grieving daughter bravely faced her mother’s killer in court and gave a heart-breaking speech. Banned driver Reece Roberts dragged Diane Jones nearly 200ft under the wheels of his car in Durham Road, Sunderland, as he drove to buy milk. Miss Jones...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
IMPROVING IN ALL AREAS
Ofsted inspectors have reported significant improvement at Venerable Bede Church of England Academy, marking progress in every area since the school was judged inadequate or requiring improvement in January 2025. Acting headteacher Lisa Turnbull said...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘I’LL ALWAYS ROOT FOR SUNDERLAND’
Sunderland’s outgoing council leader Michael Mordey has spoken after losing his seat in the historic local elections that saw Reform UK sweep to power. Labour, which previously held around 50 seats, was reduced to just five, ending decades of control...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘WE’LL DELIVER’
Leading figures on Reform UK have promised to give the Sunderland voters the changes they want after securing their trust in the local elections. Reform UK seized control of Sunderland City Council with 58 seats, ending Labour’s five-decade...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
NEW ERA DAWNS
A new political era is dawning in Sunderland today after Reform UK ended Labour’s 52-year grip on the local council. Reform, led nationally by Nigel Farage, has seized Sunderland City Council after winning control of the new-look authority following...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SOLDIER FEARED FOR HER CAREER
Royal Artillery Bombardier Nadine Askew, 31, was found dead in her room at Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire on July 22, 2021. Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court heard Bmdr Askew had got into a dispute with a fellow soldier, a gunner, during a party...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MAM’S MEMORY MOVES DEANO
Deano Franciosy, known as The Running Bin Man, is preparing for his latest charity challenge with his trademark wheelie bin strapped to his back. The 57-year-old undertakes a fundraising feat every year on May 28 to honour his mam, Edna Gardner, who...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FOOTBALL KEEPS MEMORIES ALIVE
A new dementia centre has been named after Sunderland football legend Bobby Kerr. The Bobby Kerr Dementia Centre, based at the Sunderland Fans’ Museum, was officially unveiled at 4.40pm on May 5 to mark the exact moment the full-time whistle blew 53...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
EXTRA SECURITY AS ATTACKS RISE
Security has been increased across Sunderland and South Tyneside hospitals following a series of assaults on staff and patients. The health trust has issued more body-worn cameras to frontline security teams and reminded guards of available...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SEWAGE SPILLS SPARK SICKNESS
A Sunderland vet has renewed warnings to dog owners after his independent testing revealed high levels of harmful bacteria in seawater along the Sunderland coast. Rory Thomson began investigating after a series of severe sickness cases in dogs being...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ADVERTISIN* FEATURE
It has been an exceptionally busy month here at Mobility Care Solutions Murphy and all of the team here are looking forward to the Bank +oliday Weekend and hope you have a fun-filled weekend too! The sun is shining and with so much going on in and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PLOTS RAIDED
A major multi-agency raid on 33 allotment plots in Pallion has led to 10 Sunderland allotment holders facing eviction after machetes, firearms and cannabis-growing equipment were discovered. Officers seized two machetes, two firearms – including a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
POLICE RECREATE GRAVE SCENE
Detectives and forensic specialists have returned to the makeshift grave where Sunderland teenager Kieran Williams was found, recreating the murder and burial scene to generate new investigative leads. Officers dug three replica graves matching the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘DEVIOUS AND MANIPULATIVE’
A Sunderland man has been sentenced to nine years behind bars for undertaking a sinister online exploitation attack on a young girl. Stephen McLean, 25, had already convinced the child to send him images of herself before he instructed her to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WAITING WOES
The University of Sunderland’s decision to move its graduation ceremonies from the Stadium of Light has been criticised. This year’s events will be held at The Fire Station to create a more central, city-centre celebration. However, the reduced...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GETTING SHIRTY
An artist says Sunderland AFC has used an image from his Roker beach sculpture C on the club’s away shirt without permission, prompting him to pursue a copyright claim. Andrew Small argues the shirt’s design and promotional video clearly feature his...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HOMES BACKED
Sunderland councillors have approved revised plans for a major housing scheme at the Sheepfolds Industrial Estate near the Stadium of Light. The updated proposal reduces the project to around 450 homes after Sunderland AFC warned earlier designs could...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘MONSTER’
Adam Hall, 43, from Donwell, Washington, was jailed for life at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday for raping four men and deliberately infecting three others with HIV. Convicted of 15 offences including rape, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BOXING CLEVER
A Sunderland boxing club has been brought back to life after a devastating fire destroyed its newly renovated home at Redhouse Workmen’s Club. Redhouse Boxing Club has reopened and founder and long-time coach Frank Bagley said it is fantastic to see...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
THIEVES BAGGED
A neighbourhood policing operation has slashed shoplifting in Sunderland Retail Park by 72 per cent. Operation Mansfield was launched after the Roker site recorded the highest shoplifting levels in the Northumbria Police area last autumn. Running...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Man found over the limit and
A man caught asleep in his car while almost twice the drinkdrive limit has been banned from driving. Liam Hetherington, 34, was disqualified for six months under the totting up process after receiving 10 points at South Tyneside Magistrates’...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
Free day offers fun and support for special needs children and families
More than 50 organisations supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities took part in a free event at the Beacon of Light. The event enabled hundreds of families with SEND children to take part in a range fun activities including...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
A MAGIC DAY FOR MYRTLE
Sunderland woman Myrtle Wild celebrated her remarkable 105th birthday with a joyful party at the Marigold Nursing Home on Leechmere Road, joined by family and 50 fellow residents. Wearing a pink crown and presented with a cake reading ‘Immortal...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HORROR BEATING
A thug has been jailed for a brutal dumbbell attack that “caved in” a man’s skull during an unprovoked assault in the victim’s kitchen in July 2022. Jordan Klein struck him twice, causing a depressed skull fracture, orbital fracture, broken nose and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)