October
The UK War Cabinet met for the first time; A North-East journalist was held captive by the Taliban; Hopes were rising for an end to the foot-and-mouth crisis; Bluebird may race again; the Old Lady of the Tees was 90 and the North said farewell to Dainty Dinah, 102.
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North-East journalist held by Taliban
County Durham-born journalist Yvonne Ridley was freed by the Taliban after being held captive for 11 days in Afghanistan.
Drivers face High Level Bridge ban
Motorists may be banned from using the High Level Bridge, one of the major routes across the Tyne, it was announced.
A man who died saving his seven-year-old stepson when a car crashed into a bus stop in East Rainton was being hailed a hero by the close-knit County Durham community.
The High Court effectively closed down Railtrack after the Government refused to bail out the company.
The UK's war cabinet was meeting for the first time in the wake of a second wave of air attacks on targets in Afghanistan.
Newcastle engineer Prof John Knapton was studying the structural strength of the World Trade Center towers on behalf of companies facing huge insurance claims.
Family and friends gathered in Chester-le-Street to pay tribute to Alice Scott - 'Dainty Dinah' of the Horner's Toffee tins - who died aged 102.
A week clear of foot-and-mouth
Hopes were rising that the worst of foot-and-mouth was over after a week with no new cases reported in the region.
The last reported outbreak, in Northumberland, took the UK total at 2,030.
Northumberland farmer Bobby Waugh, accused of starting epidemic, had denied all charges against him and was facing trial.
A tourism chief criticised the mass cull of animals during the crisis saying it sent 'Dark Ages' images of Britain around the world. The total loss to business in the region over the year was being estimated at £200m to £300m.
Grand old lady of the Tees is 90
Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge, the grand old lady of the River Tees, celebrated her 90th birthday.
Miracle escape from house blast
An 83-year-old Sunderland woman escaped without a scratch when her home was ripped apart by a gas explosion.
New York firemen take centre stage at TV gala night
Television stars gathered in London for the National TV Awards - but two New York firemen stole the glittering show.
Gina Campbell, daughter of speed legend Donald, hopes to rebuild the Bluebird and race it once more on the lake which claimed her father's life.
Copyright (c) 2000-2001 Sue Kelly