Sunderland City Council

The facility, in Sunderland, will host tournaments and help train the next generation of players.

The backing comes days after it was announced an investor has pulled out of the Sunderland scheme.

Councillors vote to give the developer time to answer further questions on the Penshaw Hill scheme.

Building work will "continue as normal" on the film studio, says the North East Mayor.

Cain International confirms it has withdrawn from the studio development on the River Wear.

The academy in Sunderland will "educate, train and upskill" future engineers and builders.

Audrey Buckham, who became bankrupt, says council tax should be axed for terminally-ill residents.

Campaigners are calling for the building, due to close in 2026, to be taken into public ownership.