Storm Arwen compensation, travel chaos and child poverty criticism - your Newcastle headlines

The first round of compensation money has been posted to families that lost power during Storm Arwen.

The storm left some people in the region without power for 12 days and Northern Powergrid have thanked people for their patience. The company will be compensating for the loss of power but also providing money towards meals and costs for accommodation.

Meanwhile, North East transport chiefs have warned transport services in the region will fall over a cliff edge without a shift in how they are payed for.

The deficit started last year after Metro ticket sales dropped due to Covid. Nexus has predicted a £20 million shortfall in 2022 which could also lead to local bus routes being cut.

And finally, Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has said that she is disgusted at the government as a third of children in the North East face poverty at Christmas.

The PCC added that tackling poverty will also prevent crime as she said that kids need the best start to life to keep them out of trouble.