RESIDENTS in Tynedale will be the first to put the region’s directly elected mayor on the spot.

Jamie Driscoll, the mayor of the North of Tyne Combined Authority, is launching a series of public question time events at the Queen’s Hall in Hexham on Monday, February 10.

The events are loosely based on the BBC’s Question Time format, giving residents the chance to ask any burning questions they may have.

Future Mayor’s Question Time events will be held across the North of Tyne Region, which covers Newcastle and North Tyneside as well as Northumberland.

Mr Driscoll was elected in May, with his manifesto pledging to focus on community wealth building, addressing the climate emergency, setting up community hubs, building affordable housing, and developing meaningful adult education.

The mayor is responsible for a £20m investment fund.

The authority will also take control of the £23m a year adult education budget for the region in August.

Mr Driscoll said: “We’ve got a mayor who was directly elected by the people, so it’s important that the people get to speak with me directly.

“You might have a burning question to ask or you might just be interested in hearing about what’s happening.”

The event requires a free ticket to attend.

Tickets are available from the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s website. Questions on the local economy, climate emergency, transport, adult education, communities, and housing can be submitted in advance when you sign-up.