SPORTING HONOUR: Paralympian Stephen Miller is to be made an Honorary Freeman of Gateshead. Councillors in the town have voted to bestow their highest honour on the triple gold medal winner, who has represented his country at the Paralympics on five separate occasions.

DANCE ACT: 90s dance group Dubstar have been announced as support for The Human League at the Mouth of the Tyne Festival to be held on July 12 at Tynemouth Priory. Tickets for the festival, which also includes James Morrison, The Wonder Stuff, Aswad and The Futureheads are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 0844 844 0444.

NEW MAYOR: Long-serving councillor Jack Graham MBE has been elected Mayor of Gateshead for the coming year.