08/02/2014 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Good afternoon. The government's being asked to support a ?30 million

plan to raise standards in North East schools. Head teachers met

business leaders this week to discuss the bid. A similar scheme in

London has seen a dramatic rise in standards. It's hoped it could make

a huge difference to the economy. If we want to fundamentally change the

position of the North East economically, this is critical.

We've got to start now. We will not see immediate benefit. We

understand. But if we don't start something, we'll never achieve it.

It's a huge opportunity for our next generation. There's more on that on

Sunday Politics, tomorrow on BBC One.

A 19`year`old man has died in a crash involving three cars on the

Brotton Bypass. Cleveland Police said it happened at 5pm yesterday

afternoon on the A174. An 18`year`old woman is in a stable

condition in hospital. A man has been arrested on suspicion of

causing death by dangerous driving. A rally against proposed cuts to

Cleveland Fire Service is being held in Middlesbrough today. Under the

plans to save six million from the brigade's funding, 130 full`time

posts would be lost ` and Marine Fire Station in Middlesbrough would

be shut. A patient who took part in trials

for a drug for multiple sclerosis in the North East says it's allowed her

to get on with her life. Katie Stanton took part in trials at the

Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. This week the drug

Tecfidera was approved for use by the European Commission. Regular

check ups and taking tablets on time are a way of life for Katie Stanton.

She was diagnosed with MS six years ago and joined clinical trails. Her

attacks reduced significantly ` changing her life. The first ones I

had, I was off work for three or four weeks. Now I just have to say

to them, I think I'm having an attack. They're there straightaway.

That'll do me. Up until recently, only injections have been offered.

But this drug is much more effectively and can be taken as a

tablet. And the drugs watchdog NICE say they will soon begin

consultation on the use of the drug. TV presenter Davina McCall will

arrive in Cumbria today as part of her gruelling week`long challenge

for Sport Relief. She's running, swimming and cycling 500 miles, from

Edinburgh to London. Davina started the challenge this morning and is

expected to arrive in Keswick at 9pm this evening.

This afternoon's football: In the Premier League Newcastle travel to

Chelsea and Sunderland are at home to Hull at the Stadium of Light.

Middlesbrough are at home to Blackburn in the Championship and in

League One Carlisle play Gillingham. In League two Hartlepool take on

Dagenham Redbridge and York are at home to Cheltenham.

Now, Kay Crewdson has the weather. Good afternoon. Windy today! Top

temperature of seven Celsius. This evening, there will be showers

around. It stays frost free though. That's it from the lunchtime team.

We'll be back just after seven. evening. -- the winds will ease

Good afternoon. It is yet another stormy day to day with heavy rain

around and very strong winds. The Met office has issued an amber

warning for the strong winds. They could be disruptive