One of my favourites is Treasure Island - you can spot it in the image above! Hidden in the image are references to three other famous books, all written by authors with connections to our area.
Can you guess which books they are and what the local links are? 🤔
#WorldBookDay #stockton #shoplocal

There’s nothing better than a great book. We have some brilliant bookshops right here in Stockton. Drake the Bookshop and The Book Dragon are fantastic places to discover your next read. Let’s celebrate the joy of reading and support our amazing local bookshops!

Thank you to everyone who has championed this cause alongside us.
I’ve received so many supportive messages, and it’s clear our communities are united in ensuring hospices get the backing they deserve.
Together, we’re making a meaningful difference. 💙

This is an important first step, ensuring local hospices can:
✅ Upgrade facilities
✅ Improve patient experiences
✅ Continue delivering compassionate, end-of-life care

The work doesn’t stop here. Hospices need financial security and I’ll keep pushing for sustained support.

Joined by fellow Teesside Labour MPs and supported by @thenorthernecho.bsky.social we have campaigned for greater investment in hospice care.
Today, I’m proud to share that our calls have been heard. The biggest investment in a generation is on its way - including for Teesside Hospice.

We are taking action - we've already beaten the Conservatives record on creating spaces in our first seven months!

We're investing in rehabilitation and fixing the system they broke and delivering real solutions for safer streets and a justice system that works.

Alternatively, the Labour Government from 1997 - 2010 created 27,830 spaces.
If we want an effective justice system, we need to invest in policing, in the judiciary, and in prisons and rehabilitation. That’s exactly what Labour is doing.

The Conservatives expanded prison capacity by just 455 places in 14 years - a shocking failure that has left our justice system at breaking point.
Prisons are at 98% capacity, crime is rising, and the public has been put at risk by their inaction. They just don't take crime and justice seriously.

Let’s keep working together to make our town even better!

🧱 £3m for road improvements and additional parking - including Norton High Street
🛍️ Local businesses like Chic & Crafty, Regency Records, and The Book Dragon leading the way, backed by Stockton BID

Stockton is on the up - with real investment, real jobs, and a stronger future ahead.

🏙️ New investment in our High Street - including a brand-new Riverside Park development and health diagnostic centre
🏗️ £20 million secured for Billingham Town Centre regeneration
🚓 More policing and a crackdown on retail crime to make our communities safer

But we also know that 14 years of austerity have taken their toll, and our High Street and communities have faced real challenges. There’s still work to do - but at last, we’re seeing real reasons for optimism.

If you’re a parent or guardian, keep an eye out for local announcements on how to register for upcoming sessions.
Let’s keep making sure every child gets the chance to enjoy their holidays with fun, food, and friendship! /Fin

I'm delighted to say that we’ve got the funding!
Over £200m to ensure the knitting, sports, gardening, dancing, crafts, ice pops and hot food will all continue!
Thanks to everyone who has supported this campaign and those that work to deliver HAF - making a massive difference./2

The King confided in me his wish that Billingham and Teesside could become a centre for the circular economy and green industry - an ambition for our area that we both share.

Excited to welcome him to Teesside in the coming weeks.

Thanks to everyone who has raised this issue and pushed for action - we are nearly there!
Let me know in the comments if you’ve seen the progress on your street.

Once this work is finished, we expect the final adoption of highways to follow.
I know how long residents have waited for this, and I’m pleased to see this long-overdue work finally being delivered.