The government minister admits the whole system needs replacing and it will take 'decades'

There are a handful of strict rules to follow if you're in receipt of benefits - and a summer getaway could cost you your benefits.

Metro services are suspended between Haymarket and Regent Centre and South Gosforth and Tynemouth due to overhead wires sagging in the heat in multiple locations

Nearly five decades on, those blazing eight weeks of unbroken sunshine in the summer of 1976 reside in the collective memories of everyone who lived through the time

People have been warned against using rivers and lakes to cool off due to the dangers of swimming in open waters. Sadly, at least 12 deaths have came from heat-related accidents since July 7.

This simple trick can apparently keep your home cool for hours on end, while scorching temperatures cause the mercury to rise.

Andrew Wright, 29, and David Noutch, 28, were caught at the Hobson Industrial Estate in Burnopfield, near Stanley

Emma Lisle and Paul Keenan, of Newcastle punched, choked and hit the woman with a wine bottle

New figures show real wages are falling nationally at the highest rate since records began in 2001

Although the UK is currently experiencing unprecedented heat which could see temperatures exceed 40C - there are many destinations around the world far hotter this week

Sonny Tote, of Shieldfield, admitted a series of assaults and breaches of restraining order against his on-off partner

Sixth form students say they could save almost £200 a year if Arriva matched an offer from other bus companies of a flat £1.20 single ticket fare for 16 to 19-year-olds

More than six million people are on the waiting list for NHS treatments

Chronicle Live's breaking news service including Monday's traffic, travel, weather, sport and more covering Newcastle and the North East

Passengers can expect disruption throughout Tuesday and are advised to consider alternative methods of transport

Metropolitan Police reported that a child had been seen entering the water at Tagg’s Island in Hampton, South West London this afternoon

Love Island's most talked about bombshell of this year, Adam Collard, could be about to spring a surprise

Just weeks after sacking Boris Johnson, the Conservative Party rallied behind the Prime Minister in a Commons confidence vote.

Charlotte Crosby took to Instagram to answer a question from a fan about her baby daughter ahead of her birth

The warning comes from Michael Saunders a member of the Bank’s rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee, who claimed aggressive action was needed now

As the fire service dealt with 120 calls amid the heatwave, crews tackled two grass fires- one in Scotswood in Newcastle and another in Sunderland- and a fire on some rail tracks in Birtley

We'll bring you the winning National Lottery Set For Life numbers for Monday July 18 - live breaking updates and results below

As temperatures in the North East hit near-record heights, there was disruption in a variety of locations

Emergency services attended the scene on Berwick Hill Road in Seaton Burn and took a person to the RVI

Officers left furious over the 'unbelievable' scene of the pet dog stuck inside the vehicle as the UK sweltered