CROSS COUNTRY: More than 1,000 competitors are expected to arrive in Hartlepool for the 107th North East Cross-Country Championships on Saturday. The event, which takes place at the town’s 100-acre Summerhill site from 11am to 3pm, will feature nine races, ranging from under 13s to seniors. Spectators are invited to watch the event and refreshments will be served.

THE COURTEENERS: Indie band The Courteeners will play Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday. Their show replaces a performance that was scheduled to take place at The Hub in Darlington. However, organisers say tickets for the original Darlington date are not valid for this gig and cannot be swapped or refunded – all refunds will be dealt with by The Hub or Middlesbrough Empire. Tickets for the Middlesbrough show cost £18.50 and are available by calling 01642-729729 or from middlesbroughtownhallonline.co.uk.