THE damning revelation that senior members of the Government held a "Christmas Party" at the same time as millions were plunged into lockdown has shone a spotlight on what happened in the North East.

As staff reportedly nibbled on "cheese and wine" during a "not socially-distanced" party in Downing Street on December 18, dozens of fines had been handed out to people and businesses for alleged Covid breaches.

Today, the Government is facing a huge backlash with some Conservative MPs among those calling for transparency and Number 10 to "come clean" over what actually happened last year.

Read more: Watch moment Downing Street staff LAUGH about Christmas party

Downing Street has denied that any Christmas parties had taken place and that Covid rules had been followed at all times, despite not actually setting out how the alleged bash complied with rules and a leaked video. 

The Northern Echo: The alleged video in the background Picture: ITV NEWSThe alleged video in the background Picture: ITV NEWS

Last night, the Metropolitan Police confirmed it was reviewing footage from the leaked video in relation to what it called were "alleged breaches" of Covid rules as fury continued to grow among the public and MPs.

Read more: Downing Street Christmas Party: Boris Johnson to face questions after new statement

But in the North East, a number of businesses were handed huge fines - with some up to £17,000 - for alleged breaches of Covid rules at around the same time the Christmas party.

We've put together a list of just some firms which were found in breach of Covid restrictions (or given warnings) in the weeks leading up to the party and the weeks that followed.

TJ Hughes Middlesbrough fined £17k

The huge department store was handed a £17,000 fine after allegedly ignoring lockdown rules and continuing to trade, despite not being "essential" in November last year.

At the time, it was believed store bosses had been issued with several Fixed Penalty Notices and a prohibition notice by Middlesbrough Council for failing to close.

- Read more here

Ed's Gym and Fitness Centre in Horden fined 

The owner of Ed's Gym and Fitness Centre in Horden, near Peterlee, was prosecuted for three offences, after repeated breaches of health protection regulations.

The owner was then handed a number of FPNs for repeated breaches, resulting in almost £3,000 including a victim surcharge.

- Read more here

Bishop Auckland barber shop was fined £1,000

Council and police officers attended the Front Street barbers in January, after intelligence suggested it was open in protest against Government-imposed restrictions.

A £1,000 fixed penalty notice was issued, which the owner failed to pay - she also failed to attend the hearing at Peterlee Magistrates Court.

Magistrates fined her £660 and ordered her to pay £300 in costs and a £66 victim surcharge.

- Read more here

Darlington gym owners warned for breaking lockdown rules

Trojan Fitness in Darlington was threatened with action after being served with a closure notice after being found persistently breaking lockdown rules.

At the time, gym owners had been given the closure notice from Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ and ordered to stay closed until lockdown rules allow gyms to re-open.

- Read more here

TJ Hughes Durham not fined but ordered to shut

TJ Hughes' store in Durham was also told to shutter its doors or face further enforcement action from the council.

The department store in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre had been served with a prohibition notice and was slammed for not following the rules.

- Read more here

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