COMEDY DATES: Comedian Lee Evans has announced three dates at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena as part of his UK tour next year. He will perform in Newcastle from November 6 to 8 in 2014. Tickets, priced £30, will go on sale at 9am on Monday (20th May 2013) and are available online at www.metroradioarena.co.uk, on 0844 493 6666 or in person from the arena box office from 10am.

HANDBAG SNATCH: Police are appealing for witnesses after a young woman had her handbag stolen in Sunderland. The 19 year-old was walking along Chester Road at about 11.40am on Monday when she was approached from behind by a man who snatched her bag. The man is described as being around 19 years old, with short blond hair. He was wearing a light blue jacket and grey jogging trousers. He stole a mobile phone from the handbag before ditching it in Chepstow Street. Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191.

SAFETY RECORD: The North East’s electricity distributor, Northern Powergrid, has won the Gold Medal award in the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2013. The company, responsible for delivering power to 3.9 million domestic and business customers in the region, has received the Gold Medal for the 12th year running.